Reproductive Biology of the Cuban Dogfish in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. Issue 1 (20th August 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jones, Lisa M.; Driggers, William B.; Hoffmayer, Eric R.; Hannan, Kristin M.; Mathers, Alyssa N.
• Is Part Of: Marine and coastal fisheries. Volume 5:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: 152
• Page End: 158
• Publication Date: 2013-08-20
• Subjects: Fisheries -- Periodicals; Pêches -- Périodiques; Fisheries; Periodicals; 639.205
• DOI: 10.1080/19425120.2013.768572
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1942-5120

Abstract

Abstract: Within the northern Gulf of Mexico, the Cuban Dogfish Squalus cubensis is the most frequently encountered squalid in continental shelf and slope waters. Despite the relatively high abundance of Cuban Dogfish in the region, there is a dearth of information regarding even the most basic aspects of the species' biology. Furthermore, what has been reported is conflicting and of questionable utility. From 2005 to 2012, 139 male and 252 female Cuban Dogfish were collected opportunistically. The analyses indicated that male Cuban Dogfish reach 50% maturity at 379 mm stretch total length (STL) and are capable of reproducing throughout the year. Females reach 50% maturity at 466 mm STL and 50% maternity at 478 mm STL. Brood size ranges from one to four, and vitellogenesis and gestation are concurrent. Although samples were not collected during all months of the year, the presence of ova in the blastodisc stage of development during the summer and fall, coupled with the relatively high variability of embryo size within fall months, suggest that Cuban Dogfish reproduce asynchronously. Received October 29, 2012; accepted January 9, 2013