Model
Digital Document
Publisher
Florida Atlantic University
Description
Bonefish (Albula spp.) support an economically important sport fishery, yet little
is known regarding the reproductive biology of this genus. Analysis of oocytes histology
and sex hormone levels was conducted on wild female bonefish sampled during and
outside the spawning season in Grand Bahama, Central Andros, and South Andros, The
Bahamas to assess reproductive state. Bonefish are commonly found along shallow water
flats, or in pre-spawn aggregations (PSA) during spawning months. 17β-estradiol levels
suggest vitellogenic consistency between habitats. However, fish are more reproductively
developed at PSA based on the occurrence of larger, more prevalent vitellogenic oocytes
and evidence of final maturation. Variability in hormone levels and spawning readiness
existed between Grand Bahama and Andros PSAs, suggesting peak spawning may differ by region. Findings from this study will contribute baseline data to the captive bonefish
restoration project at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and to the limited ecological
data regarding bonefish reproduction.
is known regarding the reproductive biology of this genus. Analysis of oocytes histology
and sex hormone levels was conducted on wild female bonefish sampled during and
outside the spawning season in Grand Bahama, Central Andros, and South Andros, The
Bahamas to assess reproductive state. Bonefish are commonly found along shallow water
flats, or in pre-spawn aggregations (PSA) during spawning months. 17β-estradiol levels
suggest vitellogenic consistency between habitats. However, fish are more reproductively
developed at PSA based on the occurrence of larger, more prevalent vitellogenic oocytes
and evidence of final maturation. Variability in hormone levels and spawning readiness
existed between Grand Bahama and Andros PSAs, suggesting peak spawning may differ by region. Findings from this study will contribute baseline data to the captive bonefish
restoration project at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and to the limited ecological
data regarding bonefish reproduction.
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