Spawning and reproductive potential of Pseudopercis semifasciata (Cuvier, 1829) (Osteichthyes: Pinguipedidae) in coastal waters off Buenos Aires Province (Argentina)

Abstract

Pseudopercis semifasciata is a demersal teleostean fish, endemic of the southwest Atlantic Ocean, inhabiting coastal waters from 23° S to 47° S. The present study has the purpose to analyse for the first time the maturitycycle and the reproductive effort of this species from samples collected in waters off Buenos Aires Province (Argentina).The evolution of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the pattern of gonad development showed that spawning in P. semifasciata occurs during the austral spring and early summer, with a main peak in November. Length at first maturity, estimated only for females, was 31.77 cm TL, and age at first maturity was 2.38 years.Batch fecundity was very low, ranging between 20,647 and 152,070 hydrated oocytes, and showed significantpositive relationships with total length, total weight and age. In contrast, relative fecundity (27 hydrated oocytes/g ± 12 hydrated oocytes/g) showed an opposite pattern: it decreased with total length, total weight, age and condition. The low fecundity values estimated for P. semifasciata, together with its low growth rate, make it necessary to consider these particular traits in the adoption of management strategies for sandperch fisheries, in order to preserve local populations of this species.