Abstract
The anchovy (Engraulis ringens) and common sardine (Strangomera bentincki) are two small pelagic fish which have a similar reproductive strategy off central southern Chile. The seasonal reproductive dynamics of both the species was investigated by taking into account the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and visual maturity data as a function of female size for the period 1993–1999, and also the seasonal pattern in condition factor per size classes. Larger females of common sardine (repeat spawners) have a reproductive peak earlier in the season than younger females at first maturity, while larger anchovy have a reproductive peak delayed as compared with first-time spawners. The condition factor of females exhibited an inverse cycle with the seasonal pattern of GSI, and delayed by approximately 6 months. Although larger females tend to present better and wider condition than smaller females, the condition of females seems to be delayed in larger females probably mediated by the seasonal pattern in food availability. This “energy storage strategy” in spring and summer time seems to be size-dependent and past energetic reserves could also affect the egg production and timing of reproduction. We concluded that the reproductive season of anchovy and common sardine is different and mediated by the length structure in the seasonal upwelling system off central southern Chile.
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Acknowledgments
We thank to the ‘Fondo de Investigación Pesquera’ (FIP, http://www.fip.cl) for authorization to use the database analyzed here through research grant FIP 96-10 and FIP 2002-14 to LC. Also, this is a contribution partially funded by the research grant FIP 2006-13 “Dinámica reproductiva de anchoveta y sardina común”. Thanks also goes to personnel of EPOMAR, particularly M. Pedraza and C. Castillo-Jordán for their collaboration and helpful suggestions. Thanks also to four anonymous referees for comments and suggestions that permitted to improve the manuscript. The experimental work is complied with the current laws of Chile.
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Communicated by S. A. Poulet.
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Cubillos, L.A., Claramunt, G. Length-structured analysis of the reproductive season of anchovy and common sardine off central southern Chile. Mar Biol 156, 1673–1680 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-009-1202-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-009-1202-5