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Abstract

Temporal and spatial variability in gonad development,
duration of spawning period, and size ⁄ age at maturity were
investigated in sand flathead, Platycephalus bassensis. A 3-year
study (2001–2003) revealed that variation in gonad weight with
somatic weight was a function of an interaction between
season and study location (Coles Bay, Georges Bay, and
Tamar River estuary). Highest gonad weight was recorded in
Coles Bay in early summer, which in comparison to Georges
Bay, was approximately 50% higher and occurred 3 months
later. Tamar River mature individuals were reproductively
inactive during the spawning season. The proportion of
mature individuals at different stages of maturity differed
significantly among the three locations across all times. Coles
Bay individuals were reproductively active from October to
March, while in Georges Bay females with hydrated oocytes
were seen in September but were absent from the population
by November. Interannual variation in initiation and duration
of spawning activity was evident in each location. Apart from
male size at maturity, for both sexes the size and age at
maturity (L50) was higher in Georges Bay compared to Coles
Bay. The results emphasize the necessity of temporal and
spatial management based on population differences in reproductive
ecology.

Item Type:	Article
Authors/Creators:	Bani, A and Moltschaniwskyj, NA
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of Applied Ichthyology
ISSN:	0175-8659
DOI / ID Number:	https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0426.2008.01076.x
Additional Information:	The original publication is available at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/
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