Reproductive biology of the angular angel shark Squatina guggenheim (Chondrichthyes: Squatinidae) off Patagonia (Argentina, southwestern Atlantic)

Awruch, C. A, Lo Nostro, F.L., Di Giacomo , E., and Somoza, G. (2008) Reproductive biology of the angular angel shark Squatina guggenheim (Chondrichthyes: Squatinidae) off Patagonia (Argentina, southwestern Atlantic). Ciencias Marinas, 34 (1). pp. 17-28.

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Abstract

The reproductive biology of the angel shark Squatina guggenheim was described based on 584 animals sampled in the San Matías Gulf, Argentina, between January and December 1996. Both sexes of S. guggenheim reached similar total length and matured at similar sizes (between 73 and 76 cm total length). In males, testes were paired and showed diametric development. Adult males were predominant in the austral autumn and winter, and were capable of mating all year round. In females, only the left ovary was functional. The maximum follicular diameter recorded (6 cm) was observed during the austral autumn and winter, with ovulation occurring during spring and summer. The size distribution of the follicles indicated that adult females presented different maturational stages in all the seasons. No post-ovulatory follicles were distinguished in any of the females examined. The seasonal analysis showed significant differences in sex abundance. Adult males were predominant in autumn and winter, juvenile males in spring, and adult females in summer. Only a few pregnant animals were caught in January, May and September. The results suggest that S. guggenheim females show a biannual reproductive cycle with gestation taking at least one year, and that the San Matías Gulf is not one of their main breeding areas.

Item ID: 8499
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 0185-3880
Keywords: Chondrichthyes, Squatinidae, Squatina guggenheim, reproductive biology, Patagonia, southwestern Atlantic
Date Deposited: 19 Feb 2010 05:26
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0608 Zoology > 060803 Animal Developmental and Reproductive Biology @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960808 Marine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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