First estimate of the fecundity of Ogcocephalus cubifrons (Lophiiformes) with notes on spawning behaviour

Christie B., Torres L., Foster J.

Published date: March 2020
Volume: 44
Number: 1
Pagination: 069-071
doi: https://doi.org/10.26028/cybium/2020-441-009
Notes:

How to cite: Christie, B., Torres, L., & Foster, J. (2020). First estimate of the fecundity of Ogcocephalus cubifrons (Lophiiformes) with notes on spawning behaviour. Cybium, 44(1): 69-71. https://doi.org/10.26028/CYBIUM/2020-441-009

Abstract

Since the description of Ogcocephalus vespertilio by Linnaeus in 1758, very little has been known of the reproduction of the Ogcocephalidae. It has been assumed that they produce gelatinous egg rafts based on their scroll type ovaries similar to other lophiiform fishes, but that had yet to be confirmed. This report provides the first documentation of spawning behaviour and estimates of fecundity in any ogcocephalid fish from observations of Ogcocephalus cubifrons (Richardson, 1836) held at an aquarium. The fishes were found to spawn every other day, producing egg rafts containing between 2,404 and 5,973 ova that measured 1.33 ± 0.1 mm in diameter. Females of this species appear to become sexually mature at or around 21-23 cm TL corresponding to an age of 8-9 years. Notes on the courtship behaviour of O. cubifrons are also presented.

Keywords: Fecundity - Ogcocephalus cubifrons - Reproduction - Spawning behaviour
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