Seasonal variations in somatic condition, hepatic and gonad activity of sand smelt Atherina boyeri (Teleostei, Atherinidae) in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Iberian Peninsula)

A b s t r a c t . Seasonal changes in somatic condition, hepatic and gonad activity, as well as their effects with age and sex were examined in Atherina boyeri from the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (S e Spain). Seasonal cycles of somatic condition, hepatic and gonad activity were similar in both sexes, consisting of three phases. Somatic condition increased during summer, remained constant from autumn to mid-spring and decreased from mid-spring to the beginning of summer, coinciding with reproduction. Hepatic activity remained constant from mid-summer to winter, increased sharply from winter to spring and decreased during the spawning period, which lasted 4–5 months (similar to other Mediterranean locations). t hese cycles suggest that the species is well adapted to local conditions, ensuring reproductive success without endangering individual survival.

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