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Effect of habitat conditions on reproduction of the European anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus ) in the Strait of Sicily

Effect of habitat conditions on reproduction of the European anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus )... The aims of this study were to describe the reproductive cycle of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) off the south coast of Sicily and determine whether intra‐ and inter‐annual reproductive trait variations, if any, are adaptive responses which maximize reproductive success under environmental fluctuations. Biological data were collected from purse seine and mid‐water pelagic trawl commercial catches landed in Sciacca (Sicily) over 6 yr (1997–2002) at fortnightly intervals, analysing a total of 84 581 individuals. No inter‐annual changes in length at first reproduction were observed, with a mean pooled value of 11.26 cm for both sexes being found. Spawning intensity, indicated by gonadosomatic index, condition factor and length–weight relationships, seem to be governed by food availability prior to spawning. Anchovy reproductive investment was limited by the area's low primary production. There was a synchrony between reproductive cycle and temperature. Water warming marks the onset of a period of high water stability in the area, and its later cooling marks the onset of a period with low water stability. The relationship between reproductive cycle and temperature is therefore probably a reproductive strategy having evolved to ensure that spawning takes place during the period of the year when water column stability is higher, favouring food concentration and egg and larval retention in the spawning areas. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Fisheries Oceanography Wiley

Effect of habitat conditions on reproduction of the European anchovy ( Engraulis encrasicolus ) in the Strait of Sicily

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References (65)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
Copyright © 2006 Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company
ISSN
1054-6006
eISSN
1365-2419
DOI
10.1111/j.1365-2419.2005.00391.x
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

The aims of this study were to describe the reproductive cycle of the European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) off the south coast of Sicily and determine whether intra‐ and inter‐annual reproductive trait variations, if any, are adaptive responses which maximize reproductive success under environmental fluctuations. Biological data were collected from purse seine and mid‐water pelagic trawl commercial catches landed in Sciacca (Sicily) over 6 yr (1997–2002) at fortnightly intervals, analysing a total of 84 581 individuals. No inter‐annual changes in length at first reproduction were observed, with a mean pooled value of 11.26 cm for both sexes being found. Spawning intensity, indicated by gonadosomatic index, condition factor and length–weight relationships, seem to be governed by food availability prior to spawning. Anchovy reproductive investment was limited by the area's low primary production. There was a synchrony between reproductive cycle and temperature. Water warming marks the onset of a period of high water stability in the area, and its later cooling marks the onset of a period with low water stability. The relationship between reproductive cycle and temperature is therefore probably a reproductive strategy having evolved to ensure that spawning takes place during the period of the year when water column stability is higher, favouring food concentration and egg and larval retention in the spawning areas.

Journal

Fisheries OceanographyWiley

Published: Jul 1, 2006

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