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Reproductive biology of the fanray, Platyrhina sinensis (Batoidea: Platyrhinidae) in Ariake Bay, Japan

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Abstract

The reproductive biology of the fanray, Platyrhina sinensis, was examined in Ariake Bay, Japan, from May 2002 until December 2006. Females reached sexual maturity at a larger size than males [total length (TL) at 50% sexual maturity: male, 393 mm; female, 421 mm]. The present data support a distinct annual reproductive cycle for P. sinensis. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) for mature males showed a clear seasonal trend, declining from August to November. Histological observations showed that mature sperm in the testes occurred from August to November when monthly GSI declined. Concomitantly, pre-ovulatory ova were observed in females collected from August to November. These data indicate that mating, ovulation and fertilization occurred from August to November. Near-term embryos, neonates and recent post-partum females also occurred from August to November. Additionally, all post-partum females possessed large pre-ovulatory ova. Parturition occurred from August to November followed immediately by mating, ovulation and fertilization. Mature females become pregnant every year, and the gestation period is almost 1 year. Fertilized uterine eggs without macroscopic embryonic development were present throughout the annual reproductive cycle, indicating that P. sinensis utilizes embryonic diapause as its reproductive strategy. Both reproductive tracts of females were functional, and fecundity ranged from 1 to 12 with a mean of 6.0, increasing with TL.

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Acknowledgments

We express sincere thanks to Seinosuke Yoshida and the commercial fishermen of the Shimabara Fisheries Cooperative Association. We also thank Jen Wyffels for English proofreading of this paper and two anonymous referees for their critical comments. This study was supported financially by Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Fisheries, Nagasaki University, 1-14 Bunkyo, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8521, Japan

    Atsuko Yamaguchi

  2. Landcare Research, Gerald Street, P.O. Box 40, Lincoln, 7640, New Zealand

    Gen Kume

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  1. Atsuko Yamaguchi
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  2. Gen Kume
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Correspondence to Atsuko Yamaguchi.

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Yamaguchi, A., Kume, G. Reproductive biology of the fanray, Platyrhina sinensis (Batoidea: Platyrhinidae) in Ariake Bay, Japan. Ichthyol Res 56, 133–139 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10228-008-0078-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10228-008-0078-6

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