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Reproduction and larval ecology of the Arctic fish speciesArtediellus atlanticus (Cottidae)

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Abstract

State of maturity, egg numbers, as well as gonadosomatic index (GSI), and relative fecundity were determined in 209 females of the cottid speciesArtediellus atlanticus. Specimens were caught by Agassiz and bottom trawls during two expeditions of RV “Polarstern” to the shelf off northeast Greenland (ARK VII/2; July/August 1990) as well as to the Barents Sea and the shelf areas surrounding Svalbard (ARK VIII/2 — Arctic EPOS; June/July 1991). Analysis of the state of maturity showed thatA. atlanticus spawns from late summer to autumn. Individuals from northern populations spawn later (November) than those from more southern locations (July to September). The total number of eggs (40–216) was small due to their large diameter and the small size of the fish. The mean GSI of females from the central Barents Sea (36.9±6.5%;n=24) was significantly higher (P<0.001) than the GSI of females caught off eastern Svalbard (18.7±4.0%;n=14), compared at stage IV of maturity. The mean relative fecundity was significantly higher (P<0.001) for females of the central Barents Sea (17.9±2.3;n=19) than for females caught on more northern stations east of Svalbard (6.9±1.8;n=17) and north of Svalbard (6.4±0.5;n=7). Individuals ofA. atlanticus that were maintained at 0°C spawned in the aquaria, allowing observation of the development of their eggs and larvae for 1 year. The eggs needed more than 200 days to develop. The larvae hatched at a very advanced stage and were similar to the adults in appearance and behaviour. The larvae grew at a rate of 0.02 mm per day and showed a benthic mode of life.

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Author notes

  1. C. F. von Dorrien

    Present address: Zentrum für Marine Tropenökologie, Klagenfurter Strasse GEO, D-28359, Bremen, Germany

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institut für Polarökologie, Universität Kiel, Wischhofstrasse 1–3, Gebäude. 12, D-24148, Kiel, Germany

    C. F. von Dorrien

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  1. C. F. von Dorrien
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The data presented were collected during the European “Polarstern” Study (Arctic EPOS) sponsored by the European Science Foundation

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von Dorrien, C.F. Reproduction and larval ecology of the Arctic fish speciesArtediellus atlanticus (Cottidae). Polar Biol 16, 401–407 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02390422

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