TY - JOUR
T1 - Reproductive biology of the banded guitarfish, Zapteryx exasperata, from the Gulf of California, México
AU - Blanco-Parra, María Del Pilar
AU - Márquez-Farías, J. Fernando
AU - Galván-Magan̂a, Felipe
PY - 2009/12
Y1 - 2009/12
N2 - The banded guitarfish, Zapteryx exasperata, is a common species in the artisanal elasmobranch fisheries in the Gulf of California. Fishery-derived specimens were examined to determine critical aspects of the reproductive biology of this poorly known group of rays. Two functional testes and ovaries were found in males and females respectively. Median size at maturity (L 50%) for males was 64cm total length (TL) and for females 69cm TL. Average length of gravid females was 78.8±3.8cm TL. Histological analysis showed no evidence of sperm storage in the oviducal gland. Gestation was estimated to occur over a five to six month period (February-July) and was concurrent with vitellogenesis. Mean uterine fecundity was estimated as 7 (range 2-13, SD.=3). The sex-ratio of embryos was 1:1. The reproductive cycle for Z. exasperata from the Gulf of California was estimated to last one year with parturition, ovulation and copulation occurring during the summer months. Differences found in the reproductive cycle of Z. exasperata between the Gulf of California and the west coast of Baja California could have implications in the future management plans for this fishery in the Gulf of California.
AB - The banded guitarfish, Zapteryx exasperata, is a common species in the artisanal elasmobranch fisheries in the Gulf of California. Fishery-derived specimens were examined to determine critical aspects of the reproductive biology of this poorly known group of rays. Two functional testes and ovaries were found in males and females respectively. Median size at maturity (L 50%) for males was 64cm total length (TL) and for females 69cm TL. Average length of gravid females was 78.8±3.8cm TL. Histological analysis showed no evidence of sperm storage in the oviducal gland. Gestation was estimated to occur over a five to six month period (February-July) and was concurrent with vitellogenesis. Mean uterine fecundity was estimated as 7 (range 2-13, SD.=3). The sex-ratio of embryos was 1:1. The reproductive cycle for Z. exasperata from the Gulf of California was estimated to last one year with parturition, ovulation and copulation occurring during the summer months. Differences found in the reproductive cycle of Z. exasperata between the Gulf of California and the west coast of Baja California could have implications in the future management plans for this fishery in the Gulf of California.
KW - Fisheries management
KW - Reproductive cycle
KW - Rhinobatidae
KW - Size at maturity
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=77953614432&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1017/S0025315409990348
DO - 10.1017/S0025315409990348
M3 - Artículo
SN - 0025-3154
VL - 89
SP - 1655
EP - 1662
JO - Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
JF - Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
IS - 8
ER -