Reproductive biology of Urotrygon microphthalmum (Batoidea: Urotrygonidae) from north-eastern Brazil

Published online on 23. March 2016

Reproductive biology of Urotrygon microphthalmum (Batoidea: Urotrygonidae) from north-eastern Brazil, tropical west Atlantic Ocean

J. Santander-Neto, M. L. G. Araújo, R. P. Lessa

ABSTRACT:

The reproductive biology of Urotrygon microphthalmum was studied based on specimens caught as by-catch in shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Farfantepenaeus subtilis and Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis) fishing operations between March 2010 and March 2012 on the coast of Pernambuco, Brazil. Females reached a larger total length (L_T) and total body mass (M_T) (298 mm and 148 g) than males (250 mm and 90 g). Length at maturity was estimated to be 188 and 199 mm L_T for males and females. Uterine fecundity ranged from one to four embryos (mean ± s.d.: 1·85 ± 0·45). Size at birth was estimated to be 105 mm L_T. Gestation lasted between 4 and 5 months. The reproductive cycle of U. microphthalmum is hypothesized to be asynchronous and biannual.

Journal of Fish Biology. doi: 10.1111/jfb.12951

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