REPRODUCTION, AGE AND GROWTH OF FOUR COASTAL FISH SPECIES IN THE NE ATLANTIC

Life history traits of two common wrasse in the Azores, Coris julis and Labrus bergylta, were studied. Coris julis reproductive pattern involved protogynous diandric hermaphroditism, although primary males were scarce. Maturation of females occurs during the first year, at 8.65 cm TL, and spawning season extends from May to the end of July, when temperatures range between 17 and 19oC. A comparison between this Atlantic population and others previously studied in the Mediterranean shows that there is no clear distinction between them regarding reproductive biology. Labrus bergylta shows a reproductive pattern consistent with monandric protogyny, with an unbalanced sex ratio of 1 male: 12.2 females. The population structure revealed few large males dominating harems of females. The removal of larger males by fishing may lead to a drastic decline in the reproductive capacity of the population. Spawning season is conditioned by water temperature, occurring at about 16oC, which in the Azores takes place between January and March, in plain wintertime, whereas in higher latitudes of the North Atlantic these temperatures occur during summertime, at the same time as L. bergylta spawning season. Maturation occurs at the age of 2.6 yrs, with 25.35 cm TL.

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