Home > Reproductive biology of the halfmoon grouper, Epinephelus rivulatus, at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
Reproductive biology of the halfmoon grouper, Epinephelus rivulatus, at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia
| Title | Reproductive biology of the halfmoon grouper, Epinephelus rivulatus, at Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2000 |
| Authors | Mackie, M |
| Journal | Environmental Biology of Fishes |
| Volume | 57 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pagination | 363 - 376 |
| Date Published | 2000 |
| ISSN | 03781909 |
| Keywords | biodiversity, fish, reproduction |
| Abstract | The reproductive biology and sexual pattern of Epinephelus rivulatus were examined within the waters of Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia. Population structure and gonad morphology show that E. rivulatus is a protogynous hermaphrodite. Mature females ranged in size from 144 to 350thinspmm fork length (FL), with 50% sexually mature at 194thinspmm FL. Males were larger than females and ranged in size from 221 to 381thinspmm FL. There were also intrasexual differences in body size and the median size at which sex-change occurred within each site. Sex ratios were consistent between sites with approximately one male to 5.5 mature females. Most female E. rivulatus (>50%) were reproductively active from July to December when water temperatures were relatively cool and daylight hours were increasing. During this time reproduction occurred periodically, and a female was capable of spawning at least twice over two or three consecutive days. |
| URL | http://www.springerlink.com/content/wwp6503qm7254652/ |
| DOI | 10.1023/A:1007658027359 |
| Refereed Designation | Refereed |
