Preliminary notes on the reproductive biology of the lizardfish, Synodus saurus (Actynopterygii: Synodontidae) in the Azores

Sousa L., Barreiros J.P., Soares M.S.C., Hostim-Silva M., Santos R.S.

Date de parution: février 2003
Volume: 27
Number: 1
Pagination: 041-045
doi: https://doi.org/10.26028/cybium/2003-271-006
Résumé

Between March and November 2000, 307 specimens of the lizardfish Synodus saurus (Linnaeus,1758) were captured on several coastal areas of Terceira Island, Azores. This species is an important coastal epibenthic predator. Although common, its biology, namely its reproduction, is virtually unknown. During the study period, 206 females (155 mm to 460 mm TL) and 101 males (269 mm to 290 mm TL), were captured. Sex ratio was 2:1 with more males in June. Gonados-somatic Index (GSI) for females and males, attained its maximum values during Spring and Summer, showing that these are the most intensive reproduction periods. Hepato-somatic Index (HSI) suggests that this species may well recur on body reserves for energy metabolization in gonad development. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary in order to confirm this assumption. Ovarian histology, presenting different oocytarian phases, indicates that this species has an asynchronous posture. The male increment of June, associated to higher GSI values, suggests that this could represent a moment of intense competition for females, within the studied area.

Mots-clés: ANE - Azores - Reproduction - Sex ratio - Synodontidae - Synodus saurus
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