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Reproductive seasonality and embryo development in the draughtboard shark Cephaloscyllium laticeps

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 01:23 authored by Cynthia AwruchCynthia Awruch, Pankhurst, NW, Stewart FrusherStewart Frusher, Stevens, JD
The draughtboard shark Cephaloscyllium laticeps is a common oviparous catshark found in Australia. Studies on the reproductive seasonality of catsharks and the reproductive endocrinology of oviparous elasmobranchs are limited to a few species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reproductive seasonality and embryo development of C. laticeps using morphological and endocrine parameters. Macroscopic examinations of the reproductive system and embryo stages were recorded. The steroid hormones 17â- oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) were measured in females, and testosterone (T) in both sexes. Females laid eggs throughout the year, but with a peak in egg deposition between January and June. Female T levels were higher in the middle of the year. Elevated P4 values coincided with the period of egg deposition, whereas E2 was depressed in the middle of the egg deposition stage. Females laid eggs in the absence of males for 15 months, and eggs were laid in pairs at monthly intervals. Hatching occurred after 12 months. Variability in gonadosomatic index, percentage of sperm in seminal vesicles, and plasma T levels for males indicated that males were reproductively active throughout the year.

History

Publication title

Marine and Freshwater Research

Volume

60

Issue

12

Pagination

1265-1272

ISSN

1323-1650

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

C S I R O Publishing

Place of publication

150 Oxford St, Po Box 1139, Collingwood, Australia, Victoria, 3066

Rights statement

Copyright © 2009 CSIRO

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Wild caught fin fish (excl. tuna)

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