Anal‐fin ray morphology indicates sexual maturity in Brevimyrus niger (Teleostei, Mormyridae). Issue 1 (14th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Stell, S. K.; Moller, P.
• Is Part Of: Journal of fish biology. Volume 90:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 147
• Page End: 155
• Publication Date: 2016-10-14
• Subjects: anal‐fin ray morphology -- Mormyridae -- sexual maturity; Fishes -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 597
• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.13163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1112

Abstract

Abstract : This osteological survey of 249 specimens of Brevimyrus niger ranging in size from 44 to 137 mm standard length ( L S ) demonstrated that developmental changes in anal‐fin morphology can serve as a predictor of sexual maturity in this species. Anal‐fin ray bases begin to expand when fish reach c. 90 mm L S at which size and above there were roughly equal numbers of individuals observed with expanded and unmodified anal‐fin bases, reflecting a 1:1 sex ratio.