First Reports on Reproductive Traits of the Endemic Southwestern Atlantic Rio Skate Rioraja agassizii (Rajiformes, Arhynchobatidae) in Captivity

Abstract

This study provides novel data on fecundity and oviposition rate of Rioraja agassizii and complementary information on incubation period in captivity. Two females of R. agassizii were maintained in captivity over 1-year period. Oviposition rate was 0.28 and 0.26 egg cases per day, and fecundity was 114 and 92 egg cases for each female. Incubation period was determined for two embryos resulting in 105 and 114 days with average incubation temperatures ranging from 17.5°C (± 0.81) to 22.1°C (± 1.32). Captive studies contribute to a better understanding of the reproductive biology and complement investigations carried out in the wild.