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Aspects of the reproductive biology of Hippopotamyms pictus from Lake Kainji, with notes on four other mormyrid species
Author(s) -
Blake B. F.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
journal of fish biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.672
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1095-8649
pISSN - 0022-1112
DOI - 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1977.tb04138.x
Subject(s) - biology , fecundity , zoology , ovary , reproductive biology , fish <actinopterygii> , reproduction , ecology , fishery , population , embryo , demography , sociology , embryogenesis , endocrinology
A method is described for the assessment of fecundity in mormyrid fish. In all species examined a tri‐modal egg size distribution was found in the mature pre‐spawning ovary. These modes represented one oocyte and two ova components. The significance of the presence of two sizes of ovum is discussed in relation to breeding periodicity in Hippopotamyrus pictus . Size and age at first maturity are estimated for this species. The probable effects of the formation of the lake on the breeding behaviour of mormyrids is discussed.