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Although the Gulf toadfish, Opsanus beta, is an abundant member of the nearshore Gulf of Mexico ichthyofaunal assemblage, little information exists regarding the ecology of the species, especially for southern Gulf of Mexico populations. We added to the existing knowledge of this species by describing the reproductive structures and examining the early life history of this species in the Tecolutla estuary, Mexico. Macroand microscopic examination of 7 males showed spermatogenesis to be similar to other teleost species except for the occurrence of biflagellate spermatozoa. Histological examination of the male accessory gland showed 3 tissue layers, but their functions are still undetermined. We found asynchronous development of oocytes in the ovaries of 16 females, which may indicate multiple spawning over the long spawning season noted in this study. Batch fecundity estimates among females ranged from 79 to 518 mature ova with a mean ovum diameter of 3.5 mm. The above-mentioned factors along with large size at hatching, attached larval forms, and paternal care may account, in part, for the abundance of this species in highly dynamic systems. RESUMEN Aunque el pez sapo del Golfo, Opsanus beta, es un miembro abundante del ensamble ictiofaunistico de las costas del Golfo de Mexico, existe poca informacion acerca de la ecologia de la especie, especialmente para las poblaciones del sureste del Golfo de Mexico. Nosotros contribuimos al conocimiento existente de esta especie, describiendo las estructuras reproductoras y examinando las etapas tempranas del ciclo de vida de esta especie en el estuario de Tecolutla, Mexico. El examen macro y microscopico de 7 individuos machos mostraron espermatogenesis similar al de otras especies de teleosteos, excepto por la presencia de espermatozoides biflagelados. El examen histologico de las glandulas accesorias del macho mostro una composicion de tres capas de tejido, pero su funcion es aun indeterminada. Encontramos desarrollo asincronico de los ovocitos de 16 hembras examinadas, que pueden indicar desoves multiples a lo largo de la temporada de desove. La estimacion de la fecundidad en las hembras examinadas presento un intervalo de 79 a 518 huevos maduros con un diametro de 3.5 mm. Los factores anteriores, junto con la talla grande al eclosionar, las formas larvales adheridas y el cuidado paterno, pueden responder a la abundancia de esta especie en sistemas muy dinamicos.

Reproductive Structures and Early Life History of the Gulf Toadfish, Opsanus beta, in the Tecolutla Estuary, Veracruz, Mexico