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Reproductive biology of the icefish Champsocephalus esox (Günther, 1861) (Channichthyidae)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 May 2004

Jorge Calvo
Affiliation:
Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, CONICET, C.C. 92, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Elba Morriconi
Affiliation:
Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, CONICET, C.C. 92, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina
Gustavo A. Rae
Affiliation:
Centro Austral de Investigaciones Científicas, CONICET, C.C. 92, 9410 Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Abstract

Champsocephalus esox is the only icefish species found outside Antarctica. In a population from the Beagle Channel, the complete annual reproductive cycle has been determined. Gonad maturity stages have been established for males and females by histological analysis. Males are sexually mature from January–September with a maximum gonadosomatic index (GSI) of 3.63%. Histologically, testes are very homogeneous and the degree of maturation of the testicular cysts is similar among different tubules at the same maturation stage. Running ripe testes have mature sperm and a few spermatogoniae arranged near the blind end of the tubules. In sexually active females that are found from February–November, ovaries contain only ripe oocytes or postovulatory follicles, together with a batch of previtellogenic oocytes. During hydration, oocyte diameter reaches 2.7 mm, and oocyte dry weight increases due to material intake, the maximum GSI in ovulated ovaries is 21.89 and hepatosomatic index (HSI) decreases. These facts suggest a transfer of matter from liver to the gonads. Absolute fecundity ranges from 3303–8600 oocytes. Relative fecundity ranges from 22.5–43.5 oocytes per gram total weight. In C. esox, relative fecundity has a similar range to those quoted for the different C. gunnari populations, whilst mature oocyte diameter is small and reproductive season extended compared to the same parameters in other Channichthyidae.

Type
Papers—Life Sciences and Oceanography
Copyright
© Antarctic Science Ltd 1999

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