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Reproductive features of the Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarctica) from the western Ross Sea

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Abstract

The Antarctic silverfish Pleuragramma antarctica is the most abundant pelagic fish inhabiting the Ross Sea. Given its ecological relevance in the local food web, it is considered a keystone species in the Antarctic coastal ecosystems. Many aspects of its biology have been elucidated, but knowledge of important parts of its life cycle, including reproduction, is still poor. Here we use macroscopic and histological approaches to describe the reproductive features of the Antarctic silverfish based on fish sampled in late summer in the Ross Sea. Both males and females were at an early developmental stage, consistent with what has been reported for the same species from other Antarctic sectors and with spawning occurring in late winter. Widespread follicular atresia has been detected in the fish examined. The analysis of its intensity and prevalence suggests that skipped spawning (not all adults spawn every year) is likely to be a reproductive strategy of the Antarctic silverfish.

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Acknowledgments

This work was carried out within the project RAISE (PdR 2013/AZ1.18) supported by the Italian National Programme for Antarctic Research. We thank Michela Angiolillo for her contribution to part of the laboratory activity. The officers and crew of RV Tangaroa, and the scientific staff during the survey, are gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Marine Sciences (ISMAR), CNR, Via De Marini 6, 16149, Genoa, Italy

    Laura Ghigliotti, Erica Carlig, Davide Di Blasi & Marino Vacchi

  2. Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV 5, 16132, Genoa, Italy

    Sara Ferrando, Lorenzo Gallus & Eva Pisano

  3. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) Ltd, PO Box 893, Nelson, New Zealand

    Stuart Hanchet

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  1. Laura Ghigliotti
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  2. Sara Ferrando
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  3. Erica Carlig
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  4. Davide Di Blasi
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Correspondence to Laura Ghigliotti.

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Ghigliotti, L., Ferrando, S., Carlig, E. et al. Reproductive features of the Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarctica) from the western Ross Sea. Polar Biol 40, 199–211 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-016-1945-7

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