Annual, lunar and diel reproductive periodicity of a spawning aggregation of snapper Pagrus auratus (Sparidae) in a marine embayment on the lower west coast of Australia.

摘要: Ichthyoplankton sampling and ovarian characteristics were used to elucidate whether the reproductive cycles of a spawning aggregation snapper Pagrus auratus in nearshore marine embayment temporally spatially specific related with environmental conditions. The dynamics this studied over four consecutive years (2001-2004). Spawning occurred between September January each year, when water temperatures ranged from 15·8 23·1° C. In all 4 years, cumulative egg densities Cockburn Sound highest narrow range 19-20° fraction females was monthly bimodal peaked during new full moons at 96-100% c. 75%, respectively. backcalculated ages P. eggs collected 16 ichthyoplankton surveys demonstrated that spawn night 3 h following high tide. spatial distributions peak period consistent, further implying specific. High concentrations recently spawned (8-16 old) also within adjacent embayments Owen Anchorage Warnbro Sound. Water circulation Sounds resembled an eddy most prominent densities, thereby facilitating retention these areas. described study have assisted managers appropriate temporal scale for closed fishing season protect aggregations.