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Reproductive biology and ecology of Pacific hagfish ( Eptatretus stoutii ) and black hagfish ( Eptatretus deani )
Author(s) -
Fleury Aharon G.,
MacLennan Eva M.,
Command Rylan J.,
Juanes Francis
Publication year - 2021
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/jfb.14748
Subject(s) - hagfish , biology , fecundity , reproductive biology , zoology , population , ecology , fishery , vertebrate , embryogenesis , embryo , biochemistry , demography , sociology , gene
The reproductive biology of Pacific hagfish Eptatretus stoutii (Lockington, 1878) and black hagfish Eptatretus deani (Evermann & Goldsborough, 1907) was assessed using current and historical data. Our results found that the reproductive characteristics of both hagfish species reflect those of K ‐selected species, which tend to live long and exhibit slow growth rates, low fecundity (approximately 20 eggs per female) and late maturity. Additionally, females of both species commence maturation prior to males. This study provides a population profile for both species of hagfish, but further assessments are needed to effectively manage a sustainable hagfish fishery.