Relationship between liver weight, body size and reproductive activity in Atlantoraja cyclophora (Elasmobranchii: Rajidae: Arhynchobatinae) in oceanic waters off Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Abstract
Samples of Atlantoraja cyclophora were obtained by bottom-trawling surveys on the outer continental shelf and upper slope of the Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, at depths between 100 and 300 m. For a sample of 459 individuals, the total length, eviscerated weight and liver weight were recorded. Liver weight of the males varied between 2.4 and 36 g, and 2.4 and 65 for the females. Females had significantly heavier livers in all total length classes. For the males, the hepatosomatic index varied between 1.5 and 3.5 and for the females between 0.53 and 4.95. Mean hepatosomatic index was significantly higher in the females. Liver weight and total length according to the equations LW=0.00065*TL2.648 for males and LW=0.00309*TL2.171 for females.
Key words: egg capsules, sexual dimorphism, yolk, reproductive stages.Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
I grant the journal Neotropical Biology and Conservation the first publication of my article, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution license (which allows sharing of work, recognition of authorship and initial publication in this journal).
I confirm that my article is not being submitted to another publication and has not been published in its entirely on another journal. I take full responsibility for its originality and I will also claim responsibility for charges from claims by third parties concerning the authorship of the article.
I also agree that the manuscript will be submitted according to the journal’s publication rules described above.
