[Objective]Implementation of the Ten-Year Fishing Ban policy may alter fish diversity and niche characteristics of dominant species in spawning grounds within the National Nature Reserve for Rare and Endemic Fish in t...[Objective]Implementation of the Ten-Year Fishing Ban policy may alter fish diversity and niche characteristics of dominant species in spawning grounds within the National Nature Reserve for Rare and Endemic Fish in the Upper Yangtze River.This study initiated continuous monitoring of natural spawning habitats from February 2022 to assess these ecological changes.[Methods]Environmental DNA(eDNA)metabarcoding was employed to analyze fish species composition,biodiversity patterns,and niche parameters of dominant species.Water sampling followed the CEN/TS 19461 standard across five monitoring transects(ZT1-ZT5).[Results]The eDNA analysis detected 45 species of fish belonging to 38 genera,13 families,and 3 orders were detected through environmental DNA(eDNA)in this survey,including 10 species endemic to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River,such as Procypris rabaudi and Myxocyprinus asiaticus.The fish community was mainly composed of bottom-dwelling,settling ovum-producing,omnivorous fish.The variation ranges of the Chao1 index,ACE index,Shannon index,and Simpson index are 736~996,719~965,1.58~3.23,and 0.83~0.99,respectively,indicating that fish species in spawning sites are abundant and community distribution uniformity is high.All indexes are highest at ZT1 monitoring points.Cluster analysis showed that,at a certain similarity level,fish community types in spawning sites could be basically divided into two groups:ZT1,ZT3,and ZT5 clustered together,and ZT2 and ZT4 clustered together,indicating similar fish community habitats.There are 9 dominant fish species in typical deep pool habitats in the reserve,with niche widths(Bi)ranging from 1.13 to 3.87.The dominant fish species are broad and medium niche fish,such as Cyprinus carpio and Hemiculter tchangi,with the niche overlap index(Oik)of some dominant fish species reaching more than 0.95.This indicates fierce competition for resources among the fish in this spawning ground.[Conclusion]The Zhutuo spawning ground demonstrates high species richness with homogeneous community structure and intense resource competition.This study establishes an eDNA-based monitoring framework that enhances conventional survey method,providing critical baseline data for adaptive management under the fishing moratorium regime.展开更多
As China’s second longest river,the Yellow River(YR)carries a large volume of fresh water into the Bohai Sea with abundant nutrients and,thus,plays a crucial role in regulating the temperature and salinity near the Y...As China’s second longest river,the Yellow River(YR)carries a large volume of fresh water into the Bohai Sea with abundant nutrients and,thus,plays a crucial role in regulating the temperature and salinity near the YR Delta.In this study,using the runoff data and the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model,we simulated the salinity distribution near the YR Estuary for 2013-2022.We investigated the effect of the YR runoff on salinity dispersion and established the relationship between salinity distribution and the river’s runoff volume.Additionally,we analyzed the relationship between fish eggs and salinity distribution using fish egg da-ta.Findings indicated that the freshwater discharged from the YR converged into Laizhou Bay under the influence of tide.The sever-al years of simulation results(2013-2022)showed that the salinity field near the YR Estuary changed with the variations of river runoff entering the sea.Simultaneously,we found a positive correlation between the area of low-salinity zones(below 27)and the monthly average river runoff,and this relation could be expressed as Y_(s)=0.7457X_(r)+78.904.The characteristics of fish egg distribution revealed that fish eggs were primarily distributed in the areas characterized by salinity in the range of 25-29.展开更多
Chilo suppressalis （Walker） is one of the important pests in rice produc-tion. ln this paper, the spawning condition of Chilo suppressalis on rice seedlings in Wuxue, Qichun, Chongyang and Xiaogan of Hubei Province ...Chilo suppressalis （Walker） is one of the important pests in rice produc-tion. ln this paper, the spawning condition of Chilo suppressalis on rice seedlings in Wuxue, Qichun, Chongyang and Xiaogan of Hubei Province was investigated, and the spawning habit of overwintering-generation Chilo suppressalis on rice seedlings was analyzed. The results showed the overwintering-generation Chilo suppressalis prefers to spawn on verdant rice leaf blades （face, upper part）. The investigation on spawning habit of Chilo suppressalis would provide a theoretical basis for the fore-casting and control of Chilo suppressalis.展开更多
Chinese sturgeon(Acipenser sinensis) is the flagship species of the Changjiang River.The migration route of this species is blocked by the first dam,the Gezhou Dam,and its reproduction is affected by the Three Gorges ...Chinese sturgeon(Acipenser sinensis) is the flagship species of the Changjiang River.The migration route of this species is blocked by the first dam,the Gezhou Dam,and its reproduction is affected by the Three Gorges Dam(TGD),one of the largest dams in the world.We studied the impact of the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir(TGR) since 2003 on the spawning stock and the natural reproduction of the Chinese sturgeon by using our monitoring data from 1997 to 2013.Results indicate that TGR impoundment has delayed the first spawning dates of the fish from middle-late October to late November,decreased the amount of spawning activities from twice to only once each year,and significantly reduced egg production.In particular,the fish did not demonstrate any spawning activities in 2013.Therefore,TGR impoundment significantly affects the natural reproduction of the fish downstream of the TGD.The spawning stock size of the fish is also predicted to further decrease in the future,which will lead to a risk of population extinction.Ecological regulations must be imposed on decreasing the water temperature to 20℃before mid-October and increasing water discharge downstream of the TGD in October to induce spawning of the Chinese sturgeon.展开更多
Nassau grouper Epinephelus striatus are a large bodied, top level predator that is ecologically important throughout the Caribbean. Although typically solitary, Nassau grouper form large annual spawning aggregations a...Nassau grouper Epinephelus striatus are a large bodied, top level predator that is ecologically important throughout the Caribbean. Although typically solitary, Nassau grouper form large annual spawning aggregations at predictable times in spe- cific locations. In 2003, The Cayman Islands Marine Conservation Board established protection for a newly rediscovered Nassau grouper spawning aggregation on Little Cayman, British West Indies. The large size of this aggregation provides a unique oppor- tunity to study the behavior of Nassau grouper on a relatively intact spawning aggregation. During non-spawning periods Nassau grouper display a reddish-brown-and-white barred coloration. However, while aggregating they exhibit three additional color phases： ＂bicolor＂, ＂dark＂, and ＂white belly＂. We video sampled the population on multiple days leading up to spawning across five spawning years. Divers focused a laser caliper equipped video camera on individual fish at the aggregation. We later ana- lyzed the video to determine the length of the fish and record the color phase. Our observations show that the relative proportion of fish in the bicolor color phase increases significantly on the day leading up to the primary night of spawning. The increase in the proportion of the bicolor color phase from 0.05 early in the aggregation to 0.40 on the day of spawning suggests that this color phase conveys that a fish is behaviorally and physiologically prepared to spawn. Additionally, 82.7% of fish exhibiting dark or white belly coloration early in the aggregation period suggests that these color phases are not only shown by female fish as was previously posited [Current Zoology 58 （1）： 73-83, 2012].展开更多
Although amphioxus is widespread in temperate and tropical seas,its population is diminishing be-cause of environmental pollution.To keep the population of this evolutionarily important animal fromdiminishing,study on...Although amphioxus is widespread in temperate and tropical seas,its population is diminishing be-cause of environmental pollution.To keep the population of this evolutionarily important animal fromdiminishing,study on its reproduction and development is necessary.The main findings in this study onthe spawning and fecundity of the amphioxus reared in laboratory and its larval development are as fol-lows.1.Water temperature markedly affected the spawning.It spawned only when water temperature reached 21℃.2.Spawning of the amphioxus in laboratory was markedly extended.Initially,the amphioxus spawned at about 7:00 PM,but spawning time was postponed as spawning days went on.3.The number of eggs produced by a female ranged from 1400 to 12800,average of 5800.This al-so represents the fecundity of the amphioxus because it shedded all eggs within the ovary at a time.4.During the first few months of life of the amphioxus,its growth rate changed seasonally.Thegrowth rate in summer and fall was greater than that展开更多
The estuarine tapertail anchovy(Coilia nasus)is a high-value commercial fish.Estimating the spawning site or hatchery origin and habitat is essential for its conservation.This study aimed to determine the habitat use ...The estuarine tapertail anchovy(Coilia nasus)is a high-value commercial fish.Estimating the spawning site or hatchery origin and habitat is essential for its conservation.This study aimed to determine the habitat use and life history characteristics of C.nasus from the Changjiang River Estuary.We investigated the environmental signatures of strontium(Sr)and calcium(Ca)in the otoliths of the collected specimens using electron probe microanalysis;additionally,we examined their gonadal maturity stage.Our results indicate that the 31 adult C.nasus specimens used in this study could be classified into two types based on their otolith Sr:Ca concentration ratios and their gonadal maturity stage.The long freshwater early life history type(Type LF)had wider central region in the otolith with low Sr:Ca concentration ratios ranging from 1.24±0.62 to 1.92±0.78 and a bluish pattern of low Sr content level.These fish are of riverine origin and had a relatively long early life history in freshwater and low gonadal maturation when captured.The short freshwater early life history type(Type SF)had a shorter central region in the otolith with low Sr:Ca concentration ratios ranging from 1.35±0.5 to 2.82±0.97 and a correspondingly bluish pattern.These fish also had a relatively short-term early life history in freshwater and high gonadal maturation when captured.The results of the otolith microchemical analysis indicated that Type LF and Type SF originated in spawning/hatching sites far from and close to the estuary,respectively.The mature gonads of Type SF fish indicated that they may breed in areas close to the estuary,whereas the immature gonads of Type LF fish indicated that they may breed in areas far from the estuary.This study is the first to reveal that the Changjiang River Estuary contains stocks of anadromous C.nasus originating in different spawning sites during the same season.The estuarine habitat plays a critical role in the connectivity between freshwater recruitment and the marine resources available to adult spawners of this commercially valued species.From a conservation perspective,this study provides important information for identifying anadromous C.nasus stocks originating in different spawning sites in the Changjiang River Basin.展开更多
To study horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus spawning behavior and migration over a large-spatial extent （〉100 km）, we arrayed fixed station radio receivers throughout Delaware Bay and deployed radio transmitters and...To study horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus spawning behavior and migration over a large-spatial extent （〉100 km）, we arrayed fixed station radio receivers throughout Delaware Bay and deployed radio transmitters and archival tags on adult horseshoe crabs prior to their spawning season. We tagged and released 160 females and 60 males in 2004 and 217 females in 2005. The array covered approximately 140 km of shoreline. Recapture rates were 〉70% with multi-year recaptures. We categorized adult age by carapace wear. Older females tended to spawn earlier in the season and more frequently than young females, but those tendencies were more apparent in 2004 when spawning overall occurred earlier than in 2005 when spawning was delayed possibly due to decreased water temperatures. Timing of initial spawning within a year was correlated with water temperature. After adjusting for day of first spring tide, the day of In＇st spawning was 4 days earlier for every 1 degree （℃） rise in mean daily water temperature in May. Seventy nine % of spawning occurred during nighttime high tides. Fifty five % of spawning occurred within 3 d of a spring tide, which was slightly higher than the 47% expected if spawning was uniformly distributed regardless of tidal cycle. Within the same spawning season, males and females were observed spawning or intertidally resting at more than one beach separated by 〉5 kin. Between years, most （77%） did not return to spawn at the same beach. Probability of stranding was strongly age dependent for males and females with older adults experiencing higher stranding rates. Horseshoe crabs staging in the shallow waters east of the channel spawned exclusively along the eastern （N J） shoreline, but those staging west of the channel spawned throughout the bay. Overall, several insights emerged from the use of radio telemetry, which advances our understanding of horseshoe crab ecology and will be useful in conserving the Delaware Bay horseshoe crab population and habitats展开更多
The distribution of nutrients and the effect of side transport of nutrients on anchovy spawning ground to the southern waters of Shandong Peninsula are discussed based on the data collected in June 2000, May and June ...The distribution of nutrients and the effect of side transport of nutrients on anchovy spawning ground to the southern waters of Shandong Peninsula are discussed based on the data collected in June 2000, May and June 2001. The coastal current and upwelling are the main physical processes of nutrient transport to the southern waters of Shandong Peninsula. The concentrations of nutrients, Chl-a, the density of anchovy eggs, larva and juvenile fish increase obviously where they are greatly affected by these processes, while the contents of nutrients and Chl-a, the density of anchovy eggs, larva and juvenile fish decrease significantly where these processes diminish or disappear. The investigation suggest that the side transport of nutrients by Lubei (North Shandong) coastal current in the northern area causes the Chl-a content to be high and dense anchovy eggs, larva and juvenile fish to be dense in the coastal area of the Chengshan Cape. In the southern area, the riverine input from Subei irrigation ditch with high content of nutrients inshore and upwelling in the western edge of the Huanghai Sea Cold Water offshore should be responsible for high Chl-a concentration and dense anchovy eggs, larva and juvenile fish. It is possible that these processes of nutrient transport have controlled the anchovy spawning ground to the southern waters of Shandong Peninsula.展开更多
In the classical form,the Poisson Multi-Bernoulli Mixture(PMBM)filter uses a PMBM density to describe target birth,surviving,and death,which does not model the appearance of spawned targets.Although such a model can h...In the classical form,the Poisson Multi-Bernoulli Mixture(PMBM)filter uses a PMBM density to describe target birth,surviving,and death,which does not model the appearance of spawned targets.Although such a model can handle target birth,surviving,and death well,its performance may degrade when target spawning arises.The reason for this is that the original PMBM filter treats the spawned targets as birth targets,ignoring the surviving targets’information.In this paper,we propose a Kullback–Leibler Divergence(KLD)minimization based derivation for the PMBM prediction step,including target spawning,in which the spawned targets are modeled using a Poisson Point Process(PPP).Furthermore,to improve the computational efficiency,three approximations are used to implement the proposed algorithm,such as the Variational MultiBernoulli(VMB)filter,the Measurement-Oriented marginal MeMBer/Poisson(MOMB/P)filter,and the Track-Oriented marginal MeMBer/Poisson(TOMB/P)filter.Finally,simulation results demonstrate the validity of the proposed filter by using the spawning model in these three approximations.展开更多
In recent years,Konosirus punctatus has accounted for a large portion in catch composition and become important economic species in the South Yellow Sea.However,the distribution of K.punctatus early life stages is sti...In recent years,Konosirus punctatus has accounted for a large portion in catch composition and become important economic species in the South Yellow Sea.However,the distribution of K.punctatus early life stages is still poorly understood.In this study,generalized additive models with Tweedie distribution were used to analyze the relationships between K.punctatus ichthyoplankton and environmental factors(longitude and latitude,sea surface temperature(SST),sea surface salinity(SSS)and depth),and predict distribution K.punctatus spawning ground and nursing ground,based on samplings collected in 6 months during 2014–2017.The results showed that K.punctatus’spawning ground were mainly distributed in central and north study area(from 33.0°N to 37.0°N).By comparison,the nursing ground shifted southward,which were approximately located along central and south coast of study area(from 31.7°N to 35.5°N).The optimal models identified that suitable SST,SSS and depth for eggs were 19–26℃,25–30 and 9–23 m,respectively.The suitable SSS for larvae were 29–31.The K.punctatus spawning habit might have changed in the past decades,which was a response to increasing SST and fishing pressure.That needs to be proved in further study.The study provides references of conservation and exploitation for K.punctatus.展开更多
In this study, nest spawning was successfully induced by exogenous hormone injections and seawater flow stimulation, and optimum condition for hatching fertilized eggs of burrow fish mudskipper, Boleophthalmus pectini...In this study, nest spawning was successfully induced by exogenous hormone injections and seawater flow stimulation, and optimum condition for hatching fertilized eggs of burrow fish mudskipper, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris, was searched. Apart from spawning inside the nests, females also spawned outside the nests. The percentages of spawned nests were 8.0% to 24.2%. Most eggs were observed adhered to the inner wall of the top half of the nest. Fertilization rates of the nest-spawned eggs varied from 17.3% to 80.8%. Females could spawn after being artificially confined inside the nests with males at ratios of 1:1 or 1:2, but the spawned eggs were not fertilized. Mean hatching rates of artificially fertilized eggs incubated in round plastic buckets were 32.7%-70.6%, and in the net cages, were 4.2%-20.5%, respectively. Mean hatching rates of nest- fertilized eggs incubated in the round plastic buckets were 33.6%-76.3%, and in the net cages, were 5.9%-25.2%. Results showed that round bucket incubation was the best way for hatching fertilized eggs of mudskipper. Keeping the hatching seawater flowing is an important way for increasing the hatching rates of the mudskipper fertilized eggs.展开更多
Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS)-based passive radar(GBPR)has been widely used in remote sensing applications.However,for moving target detection(MTD),the quadratic phase error(QPE)introduced by the non-cooper...Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS)-based passive radar(GBPR)has been widely used in remote sensing applications.However,for moving target detection(MTD),the quadratic phase error(QPE)introduced by the non-cooperative target motion is usually difficult to be compensated,as the low power level of the GBPR echo signal renders the estimation of the Doppler rate less effective.Consequently,the moving target in GBPR image is usually defocused,which aggravates the difficulty of target detection even further.In this paper,a spawning particle filter(SPF)is proposed for defocused MTD.Firstly,the measurement model and the likelihood ratio function(LRF)of the defocused point-like target image are deduced.Then,a spawning particle set is generated for subsequent target detection,with reference to traditional particles in particle filter(PF)as their parent.After that,based on the PF estimator,the SPF algorithm and its sequential Monte Carlo(SMC)implementation are proposed with a novel amplitude estimation method to decrease the target state dimension.Finally,the effectiveness of the proposed SPF is demonstrated by numerical simulations and pre-liminary experimental results,showing that the target range and Doppler can be estimated accurately.展开更多
Maturation of the 4th phase oocytes of mudskipper is induced in vitro by sexpheromones,the extract of ovary,testis and seminal vesicle,oxytocini and deoxycorticosterone(DOC).Maturation rates of oocytes are related to ...Maturation of the 4th phase oocytes of mudskipper is induced in vitro by sexpheromones,the extract of ovary,testis and seminal vesicle,oxytocini and deoxycorticosterone(DOC).Maturation rates of oocytes are related to pheromones and their dosages.The single use ofprostaglandin E_1(PGE_1)is not effective in the induction oi maturation,but the combination ofPGE_1 with HCG promotes oocyte maturation rates.Maturation is induced by injections of the extractof the ovary at dosages of 0.01 cm^3/a fish,seminal vesicle extract at dosages of 0.1 cm^3/a fish,testis extract at dosage of 0.1 cm^3/a fish,or PGE_1 at dosage of 10μg/fish,respectively.Amongthem,seminal vesicle extract is the most effective in the induction of maturation.The artificialnests,with the extract of the ovary,testis or seminal vesicle inside,attract more heterosexualmudskippers than homosexual mudskippers to enter.Especially,the extract of seminal vesicle is themost effective in attracting females.Female mudskippers could be induced to spawn by the extractsof ovary,testis and seminal vesicle placed inside both the ceramic and sponge nests.More spawnedeggs and higher fertilization rates are observed in the ceramic nests than in the sponge ones.展开更多
This study proposes a simulation model that well reproduces the spawning stock biomass of Pacific bluefin tuna. Environmental factors were chosen to estimate the recruitment per spawning stock biomass, and a simulatio...This study proposes a simulation model that well reproduces the spawning stock biomass of Pacific bluefin tuna. Environmental factors were chosen to estimate the recruitment per spawning stock biomass, and a simulation model that well reproduced the spawning stock biomass was developed. Then, effects of various fisheries regulations were evaluated using the simulation study. The results were as follows: 1) arctic oscillations, Pacific decadal oscillations and the recruitment number of the Pacific stock of Japanese sardine were chosen as the environmental factors that determined the recruitment per spawning stock biomass;2) spawning stock biomass could be well reproduced using a model that reproduced the recruitment per spawning stock biomass and the survival process of the population that included the effect of fishing;and 3) the effects of various fisheries regulation could be evaluated using the simulation model mentioned above. The effective regulation in the simulations conducted in this paper was a prohibition of fishing for 0- and 1-year-old fish in terms of recovering the spawning stock biomass. The reduction of fishing mortality coefficients for all age fish to 50% of actual values also showed a good performance. The recent reductions of the recruitment and spawning stock biomass were likely caused by heavy harvesting, especially of immature fish, since 2004.展开更多
Predation risks have been hypothesized to influence spawning behaviors of coral reef fishes that broadcast gametes pelagically. The duration of spawning ascents of 13 species were measured from video footage at a sing...Predation risks have been hypothesized to influence spawning behaviors of coral reef fishes that broadcast gametes pelagically. The duration of spawning ascents of 13 species were measured from video footage at a single spawning site for mul- tiple coral reef fishes to investigate ff this behavior was influenced by varying risks of predation. Fishes that spawned in pairs had as- cents of longer duration than group-spawning species. Duration of spawning ascents did not vary between fishes spawning at daytime and dusk, nor between group-spawning species with specific anti-predatory morphological adaptations. These results indicate that risk of predation may not significantly influence the duration of spawning ascents of pair spawning reef fishes at our study site, while group-spawning behaviors are influenced by predation. Avoidance of egg predation by benthic organisms and female mate choice are more likely to influence the pelagic spawning behaviors of all fishes observed [Current Zoology 58 （1）： 95-102, 2012].展开更多
Japanese Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius is a pelagic,neritic species that occurs in the Yellow Sea in high commercial value.The spawning period of this fast-growing species is controlled by water temperature...Japanese Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius is a pelagic,neritic species that occurs in the Yellow Sea in high commercial value.The spawning period of this fast-growing species is controlled by water temperature.Based on microstructural analysis of otoliths from 145 young-of-the-year(YoY)S.niphonius collected by trawl in 2017,2018,and 2020,and the temporal variation in the spawning period in the northern Yellow Sea,and its relationship to water temperature were examined.We found that the spawning lasted from late April to late June but differed in year:in 2017 it occurred from April 23 to June 1 and peaked in early May,in 2018 it extended later from May 7 to June 29,and in 2020 from May 6 to June 22 and peaked later from late May to mid-June.The highest temperature in 2017 corresponds with the earliest end of the spawning period and a lower growing degree-day(GDD,℃·day)of 383℃·day.In 2018,slower warming corresponds with a longer spawning period,and a GDD spawning period of 506℃·day.Rapid warming in late 2020 corresponds with a spawning peak,and a GDD spawning temperature of 448℃·day.Despite differences in spawning period,the water temperature when spawning commenced was 10-12℃.Therefore,water temperature is the major determinant of the spawning period,affecting both the starting and the ending of spawning.This study improved our understanding of the spawning dynamics and environmental adaptation of S.niphonius,and how these might change in environments subject to increased warming.展开更多
Pseudopleuronectes yokamae (Günther) is one of the most important economic fish species in the genus living specially in the northwest Pacific, and is distributed in the southern area of the far east sea of Russi...Pseudopleuronectes yokamae (Günther) is one of the most important economic fish species in the genus living specially in the northwest Pacific, and is distributed in the southern area of the far east sea of Russia, Japan, Korea, the Huanghai Sea, the Bohai Sea and the northern area of the East China Sea. Usually they live in nearshore waters of these areas as geographic subpopulations. P. yokamae in the Sheath Bay belongs to a local group of the Huanghai-Bohai Sea subpopulation and is distributed in the mouth and adjacent waters of the bay all the year round, and the catch of its spawning group has展开更多
The fecundity and spawning locations of rice planthoppers in several rice varieties were surveyed in the test. The results showed that spawning behavior of rice planthoppers obeyed obvious niche distribution; rice pla...The fecundity and spawning locations of rice planthoppers in several rice varieties were surveyed in the test. The results showed that spawning behavior of rice planthoppers obeyed obvious niche distribution; rice planthopper preferred to lay eggs in the leaf sheath with spawning mark distance more than 20 cm, while they liked to lay eggs in the leaves with spawning mark distance of 10 - 20 cm. The average fecundity in leaf sheaths was obviously higher than that in leaves, indicating that leaf sheaths were more suitable for spawning of rice planthoppers than leaves.展开更多
Muricids are commercially important gastropods and are exploited primarily for shell craft industries. They also occupy a niche in ornamental keeping. Studies on the larval development of muricids in Indian waters are...Muricids are commercially important gastropods and are exploited primarily for shell craft industries. They also occupy a niche in ornamental keeping. Studies on the larval development of muricids in Indian waters are few. Hence, an attempt was made to study with a focus on the optimum requirements for captive brood maintenance;regional variation in egg laying, intracapsular development and to estimate production potential of individual brooder (the length/ weight ranged from 80 -?110 mm/49 -?169 g (average 94.875 ± 3.980 mm/111.625 ± 14.870 g) of Chicoreus virgineus var. ponderosa collected off Tuticorin coast, Gulf of Mannar. Experimental airlift water circulation system fitted in 1 t FRP tanks having an overturn of 300% water is found suitable for long term maintenance and maturation of brooders with near cent percent survival over a year. Spontaneous breeding commenced from June ’09. Eggs cases were ‘vase’ shaped and measured 1.2 -?1.5 cm in height. Egg case numbers varied between 110 and 140 and got reduced to 10 -?40 during October and increased in Nov & December. Number of eggs within the egg case was highly variable ranging from 100 -?380. Eggs were spherical, embedded in jelly mass within the egg case and measured 510 -?608 μ (578 μ). Intra capsular development is detailed and compared with the earlier report on this species from other areas of Indian coast. Development took nearly 20 days and only few free living juveniles measuring between 1.7 -?1.9 mm emerged and the rest of the eggs have functioned as “Nurse eggs”. Average net production potential of a single viable egg case was estimated to be 6.7 nos for Chicoreus virgineus var. ponderosa of Tuticorin coast of Gulf of Mannar.展开更多
文摘[Objective]Implementation of the Ten-Year Fishing Ban policy may alter fish diversity and niche characteristics of dominant species in spawning grounds within the National Nature Reserve for Rare and Endemic Fish in the Upper Yangtze River.This study initiated continuous monitoring of natural spawning habitats from February 2022 to assess these ecological changes.[Methods]Environmental DNA(eDNA)metabarcoding was employed to analyze fish species composition,biodiversity patterns,and niche parameters of dominant species.Water sampling followed the CEN/TS 19461 standard across five monitoring transects(ZT1-ZT5).[Results]The eDNA analysis detected 45 species of fish belonging to 38 genera,13 families,and 3 orders were detected through environmental DNA(eDNA)in this survey,including 10 species endemic to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River,such as Procypris rabaudi and Myxocyprinus asiaticus.The fish community was mainly composed of bottom-dwelling,settling ovum-producing,omnivorous fish.The variation ranges of the Chao1 index,ACE index,Shannon index,and Simpson index are 736~996,719~965,1.58~3.23,and 0.83~0.99,respectively,indicating that fish species in spawning sites are abundant and community distribution uniformity is high.All indexes are highest at ZT1 monitoring points.Cluster analysis showed that,at a certain similarity level,fish community types in spawning sites could be basically divided into two groups:ZT1,ZT3,and ZT5 clustered together,and ZT2 and ZT4 clustered together,indicating similar fish community habitats.There are 9 dominant fish species in typical deep pool habitats in the reserve,with niche widths(Bi)ranging from 1.13 to 3.87.The dominant fish species are broad and medium niche fish,such as Cyprinus carpio and Hemiculter tchangi,with the niche overlap index(Oik)of some dominant fish species reaching more than 0.95.This indicates fierce competition for resources among the fish in this spawning ground.[Conclusion]The Zhutuo spawning ground demonstrates high species richness with homogeneous community structure and intense resource competition.This study establishes an eDNA-based monitoring framework that enhances conventional survey method,providing critical baseline data for adaptive management under the fishing moratorium regime.
基金supported by the Yantai City Science and Technology Innovation Development Plan Project(Nos.2023JCYJ097 and 2023JCYJ094)the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.42330406).
文摘As China’s second longest river,the Yellow River(YR)carries a large volume of fresh water into the Bohai Sea with abundant nutrients and,thus,plays a crucial role in regulating the temperature and salinity near the YR Delta.In this study,using the runoff data and the Finite Volume Community Ocean Model,we simulated the salinity distribution near the YR Estuary for 2013-2022.We investigated the effect of the YR runoff on salinity dispersion and established the relationship between salinity distribution and the river’s runoff volume.Additionally,we analyzed the relationship between fish eggs and salinity distribution using fish egg da-ta.Findings indicated that the freshwater discharged from the YR converged into Laizhou Bay under the influence of tide.The sever-al years of simulation results(2013-2022)showed that the salinity field near the YR Estuary changed with the variations of river runoff entering the sea.Simultaneously,we found a positive correlation between the area of low-salinity zones(below 27)and the monthly average river runoff,and this relation could be expressed as Y_(s)=0.7457X_(r)+78.904.The characteristics of fish egg distribution revealed that fish eggs were primarily distributed in the areas characterized by salinity in the range of 25-29.
基金Supported by National Five-year Science&Technology Support Program(2012BAD19B03)Special Scientific Research Fund of Agricultural Public Welfare Profession of China(201303017)~~
文摘Chilo suppressalis （Walker） is one of the important pests in rice produc-tion. ln this paper, the spawning condition of Chilo suppressalis on rice seedlings in Wuxue, Qichun, Chongyang and Xiaogan of Hubei Province was investigated, and the spawning habit of overwintering-generation Chilo suppressalis on rice seedlings was analyzed. The results showed the overwintering-generation Chilo suppressalis prefers to spawn on verdant rice leaf blades （face, upper part）. The investigation on spawning habit of Chilo suppressalis would provide a theoretical basis for the fore-casting and control of Chilo suppressalis.
基金Supported by the Three Gorges Project Eco-Environmental Monitoring System(No.JJ[2015]-010)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31201727)the China Three Gorges Corporation(No.0799533)
文摘Chinese sturgeon(Acipenser sinensis) is the flagship species of the Changjiang River.The migration route of this species is blocked by the first dam,the Gezhou Dam,and its reproduction is affected by the Three Gorges Dam(TGD),one of the largest dams in the world.We studied the impact of the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir(TGR) since 2003 on the spawning stock and the natural reproduction of the Chinese sturgeon by using our monitoring data from 1997 to 2013.Results indicate that TGR impoundment has delayed the first spawning dates of the fish from middle-late October to late November,decreased the amount of spawning activities from twice to only once each year,and significantly reduced egg production.In particular,the fish did not demonstrate any spawning activities in 2013.Therefore,TGR impoundment significantly affects the natural reproduction of the fish downstream of the TGD.The spawning stock size of the fish is also predicted to further decrease in the future,which will lead to a risk of population extinction.Ecological regulations must be imposed on decreasing the water temperature to 20℃before mid-October and increasing water discharge downstream of the TGD in October to induce spawning of the Chinese sturgeon.
文摘Nassau grouper Epinephelus striatus are a large bodied, top level predator that is ecologically important throughout the Caribbean. Although typically solitary, Nassau grouper form large annual spawning aggregations at predictable times in spe- cific locations. In 2003, The Cayman Islands Marine Conservation Board established protection for a newly rediscovered Nassau grouper spawning aggregation on Little Cayman, British West Indies. The large size of this aggregation provides a unique oppor- tunity to study the behavior of Nassau grouper on a relatively intact spawning aggregation. During non-spawning periods Nassau grouper display a reddish-brown-and-white barred coloration. However, while aggregating they exhibit three additional color phases： ＂bicolor＂, ＂dark＂, and ＂white belly＂. We video sampled the population on multiple days leading up to spawning across five spawning years. Divers focused a laser caliper equipped video camera on individual fish at the aggregation. We later ana- lyzed the video to determine the length of the fish and record the color phase. Our observations show that the relative proportion of fish in the bicolor color phase increases significantly on the day leading up to the primary night of spawning. The increase in the proportion of the bicolor color phase from 0.05 early in the aggregation to 0.40 on the day of spawning suggests that this color phase conveys that a fish is behaviorally and physiologically prepared to spawn. Additionally, 82.7% of fish exhibiting dark or white belly coloration early in the aggregation period suggests that these color phases are not only shown by female fish as was previously posited [Current Zoology 58 （1）： 73-83, 2012].
文摘Although amphioxus is widespread in temperate and tropical seas,its population is diminishing be-cause of environmental pollution.To keep the population of this evolutionarily important animal fromdiminishing,study on its reproduction and development is necessary.The main findings in this study onthe spawning and fecundity of the amphioxus reared in laboratory and its larval development are as fol-lows.1.Water temperature markedly affected the spawning.It spawned only when water temperature reached 21℃.2.Spawning of the amphioxus in laboratory was markedly extended.Initially,the amphioxus spawned at about 7:00 PM,but spawning time was postponed as spawning days went on.3.The number of eggs produced by a female ranged from 1400 to 12800,average of 5800.This al-so represents the fecundity of the amphioxus because it shedded all eggs within the ovary at a time.4.During the first few months of life of the amphioxus,its growth rate changed seasonally.Thegrowth rate in summer and fall was greater than that
基金The National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract No.31602159the Agricultural Finance Special Project under contract No.CJDC-2017-22the Scientific Research Foundation of Wuxi City for Returned Oversea Chinese Scholars under contract No.CZ2019231400.
文摘The estuarine tapertail anchovy(Coilia nasus)is a high-value commercial fish.Estimating the spawning site or hatchery origin and habitat is essential for its conservation.This study aimed to determine the habitat use and life history characteristics of C.nasus from the Changjiang River Estuary.We investigated the environmental signatures of strontium(Sr)and calcium(Ca)in the otoliths of the collected specimens using electron probe microanalysis;additionally,we examined their gonadal maturity stage.Our results indicate that the 31 adult C.nasus specimens used in this study could be classified into two types based on their otolith Sr:Ca concentration ratios and their gonadal maturity stage.The long freshwater early life history type(Type LF)had wider central region in the otolith with low Sr:Ca concentration ratios ranging from 1.24±0.62 to 1.92±0.78 and a bluish pattern of low Sr content level.These fish are of riverine origin and had a relatively long early life history in freshwater and low gonadal maturation when captured.The short freshwater early life history type(Type SF)had a shorter central region in the otolith with low Sr:Ca concentration ratios ranging from 1.35±0.5 to 2.82±0.97 and a correspondingly bluish pattern.These fish also had a relatively short-term early life history in freshwater and high gonadal maturation when captured.The results of the otolith microchemical analysis indicated that Type LF and Type SF originated in spawning/hatching sites far from and close to the estuary,respectively.The mature gonads of Type SF fish indicated that they may breed in areas close to the estuary,whereas the immature gonads of Type LF fish indicated that they may breed in areas far from the estuary.This study is the first to reveal that the Changjiang River Estuary contains stocks of anadromous C.nasus originating in different spawning sites during the same season.The estuarine habitat plays a critical role in the connectivity between freshwater recruitment and the marine resources available to adult spawners of this commercially valued species.From a conservation perspective,this study provides important information for identifying anadromous C.nasus stocks originating in different spawning sites in the Changjiang River Basin.
基金Support Program, New Jersey Fish Game & Wildlife, and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
文摘To study horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus spawning behavior and migration over a large-spatial extent （〉100 km）, we arrayed fixed station radio receivers throughout Delaware Bay and deployed radio transmitters and archival tags on adult horseshoe crabs prior to their spawning season. We tagged and released 160 females and 60 males in 2004 and 217 females in 2005. The array covered approximately 140 km of shoreline. Recapture rates were 〉70% with multi-year recaptures. We categorized adult age by carapace wear. Older females tended to spawn earlier in the season and more frequently than young females, but those tendencies were more apparent in 2004 when spawning overall occurred earlier than in 2005 when spawning was delayed possibly due to decreased water temperatures. Timing of initial spawning within a year was correlated with water temperature. After adjusting for day of first spring tide, the day of In＇st spawning was 4 days earlier for every 1 degree （℃） rise in mean daily water temperature in May. Seventy nine % of spawning occurred during nighttime high tides. Fifty five % of spawning occurred within 3 d of a spring tide, which was slightly higher than the 47% expected if spawning was uniformly distributed regardless of tidal cycle. Within the same spawning season, males and females were observed spawning or intertidally resting at more than one beach separated by 〉5 kin. Between years, most （77%） did not return to spawn at the same beach. Probability of stranding was strongly age dependent for males and females with older adults experiencing higher stranding rates. Horseshoe crabs staging in the shallow waters east of the channel spawned exclusively along the eastern （N J） shoreline, but those staging west of the channel spawned throughout the bay. Overall, several insights emerged from the use of radio telemetry, which advances our understanding of horseshoe crab ecology and will be useful in conserving the Delaware Bay horseshoe crab population and habitats
文摘The distribution of nutrients and the effect of side transport of nutrients on anchovy spawning ground to the southern waters of Shandong Peninsula are discussed based on the data collected in June 2000, May and June 2001. The coastal current and upwelling are the main physical processes of nutrient transport to the southern waters of Shandong Peninsula. The concentrations of nutrients, Chl-a, the density of anchovy eggs, larva and juvenile fish increase obviously where they are greatly affected by these processes, while the contents of nutrients and Chl-a, the density of anchovy eggs, larva and juvenile fish decrease significantly where these processes diminish or disappear. The investigation suggest that the side transport of nutrients by Lubei (North Shandong) coastal current in the northern area causes the Chl-a content to be high and dense anchovy eggs, larva and juvenile fish to be dense in the coastal area of the Chengshan Cape. In the southern area, the riverine input from Subei irrigation ditch with high content of nutrients inshore and upwelling in the western edge of the Huanghai Sea Cold Water offshore should be responsible for high Chl-a concentration and dense anchovy eggs, larva and juvenile fish. It is possible that these processes of nutrient transport have controlled the anchovy spawning ground to the southern waters of Shandong Peninsula.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.61871301)。
文摘In the classical form,the Poisson Multi-Bernoulli Mixture(PMBM)filter uses a PMBM density to describe target birth,surviving,and death,which does not model the appearance of spawned targets.Although such a model can handle target birth,surviving,and death well,its performance may degrade when target spawning arises.The reason for this is that the original PMBM filter treats the spawned targets as birth targets,ignoring the surviving targets’information.In this paper,we propose a Kullback–Leibler Divergence(KLD)minimization based derivation for the PMBM prediction step,including target spawning,in which the spawned targets are modeled using a Poisson Point Process(PPP).Furthermore,to improve the computational efficiency,three approximations are used to implement the proposed algorithm,such as the Variational MultiBernoulli(VMB)filter,the Measurement-Oriented marginal MeMBer/Poisson(MOMB/P)filter,and the Track-Oriented marginal MeMBer/Poisson(TOMB/P)filter.Finally,simulation results demonstrate the validity of the proposed filter by using the spawning model in these three approximations.
基金The Public Science and Technology Research Funds Projects of Ocean under contract No.201305030the National Natural Science Foundation of China under contract No.41930535。
文摘In recent years,Konosirus punctatus has accounted for a large portion in catch composition and become important economic species in the South Yellow Sea.However,the distribution of K.punctatus early life stages is still poorly understood.In this study,generalized additive models with Tweedie distribution were used to analyze the relationships between K.punctatus ichthyoplankton and environmental factors(longitude and latitude,sea surface temperature(SST),sea surface salinity(SSS)and depth),and predict distribution K.punctatus spawning ground and nursing ground,based on samplings collected in 6 months during 2014–2017.The results showed that K.punctatus’spawning ground were mainly distributed in central and north study area(from 33.0°N to 37.0°N).By comparison,the nursing ground shifted southward,which were approximately located along central and south coast of study area(from 31.7°N to 35.5°N).The optimal models identified that suitable SST,SSS and depth for eggs were 19–26℃,25–30 and 9–23 m,respectively.The suitable SSS for larvae were 29–31.The K.punctatus spawning habit might have changed in the past decades,which was a response to increasing SST and fishing pressure.That needs to be proved in further study.The study provides references of conservation and exploitation for K.punctatus.
基金Supported by the NSFC (No. 30170739) and also supported by the Provincial Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province (No. B0210003).
文摘In this study, nest spawning was successfully induced by exogenous hormone injections and seawater flow stimulation, and optimum condition for hatching fertilized eggs of burrow fish mudskipper, Boleophthalmus pectinirostris, was searched. Apart from spawning inside the nests, females also spawned outside the nests. The percentages of spawned nests were 8.0% to 24.2%. Most eggs were observed adhered to the inner wall of the top half of the nest. Fertilization rates of the nest-spawned eggs varied from 17.3% to 80.8%. Females could spawn after being artificially confined inside the nests with males at ratios of 1:1 or 1:2, but the spawned eggs were not fertilized. Mean hatching rates of artificially fertilized eggs incubated in round plastic buckets were 32.7%-70.6%, and in the net cages, were 4.2%-20.5%, respectively. Mean hatching rates of nest- fertilized eggs incubated in the round plastic buckets were 33.6%-76.3%, and in the net cages, were 5.9%-25.2%. Results showed that round bucket incubation was the best way for hatching fertilized eggs of mudskipper. Keeping the hatching seawater flowing is an important way for increasing the hatching rates of the mudskipper fertilized eggs.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(62101014)the National Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Space Microwave(6142411203307).
文摘Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS)-based passive radar(GBPR)has been widely used in remote sensing applications.However,for moving target detection(MTD),the quadratic phase error(QPE)introduced by the non-cooperative target motion is usually difficult to be compensated,as the low power level of the GBPR echo signal renders the estimation of the Doppler rate less effective.Consequently,the moving target in GBPR image is usually defocused,which aggravates the difficulty of target detection even further.In this paper,a spawning particle filter(SPF)is proposed for defocused MTD.Firstly,the measurement model and the likelihood ratio function(LRF)of the defocused point-like target image are deduced.Then,a spawning particle set is generated for subsequent target detection,with reference to traditional particles in particle filter(PF)as their parent.After that,based on the PF estimator,the SPF algorithm and its sequential Monte Carlo(SMC)implementation are proposed with a novel amplitude estimation method to decrease the target state dimension.Finally,the effectiveness of the proposed SPF is demonstrated by numerical simulations and pre-liminary experimental results,showing that the target range and Doppler can be estimated accurately.
基金This study is supported by the FJNSF(No.B0210003)by the NSFC(No.30170739)
文摘Maturation of the 4th phase oocytes of mudskipper is induced in vitro by sexpheromones,the extract of ovary,testis and seminal vesicle,oxytocini and deoxycorticosterone(DOC).Maturation rates of oocytes are related to pheromones and their dosages.The single use ofprostaglandin E_1(PGE_1)is not effective in the induction oi maturation,but the combination ofPGE_1 with HCG promotes oocyte maturation rates.Maturation is induced by injections of the extractof the ovary at dosages of 0.01 cm^3/a fish,seminal vesicle extract at dosages of 0.1 cm^3/a fish,testis extract at dosage of 0.1 cm^3/a fish,or PGE_1 at dosage of 10μg/fish,respectively.Amongthem,seminal vesicle extract is the most effective in the induction of maturation.The artificialnests,with the extract of the ovary,testis or seminal vesicle inside,attract more heterosexualmudskippers than homosexual mudskippers to enter.Especially,the extract of seminal vesicle is themost effective in attracting females.Female mudskippers could be induced to spawn by the extractsof ovary,testis and seminal vesicle placed inside both the ceramic and sponge nests.More spawnedeggs and higher fertilization rates are observed in the ceramic nests than in the sponge ones.
文摘This study proposes a simulation model that well reproduces the spawning stock biomass of Pacific bluefin tuna. Environmental factors were chosen to estimate the recruitment per spawning stock biomass, and a simulation model that well reproduced the spawning stock biomass was developed. Then, effects of various fisheries regulations were evaluated using the simulation study. The results were as follows: 1) arctic oscillations, Pacific decadal oscillations and the recruitment number of the Pacific stock of Japanese sardine were chosen as the environmental factors that determined the recruitment per spawning stock biomass;2) spawning stock biomass could be well reproduced using a model that reproduced the recruitment per spawning stock biomass and the survival process of the population that included the effect of fishing;and 3) the effects of various fisheries regulation could be evaluated using the simulation model mentioned above. The effective regulation in the simulations conducted in this paper was a prohibition of fishing for 0- and 1-year-old fish in terms of recovering the spawning stock biomass. The reduction of fishing mortality coefficients for all age fish to 50% of actual values also showed a good performance. The recent reductions of the recruitment and spawning stock biomass were likely caused by heavy harvesting, especially of immature fish, since 2004.
文摘Predation risks have been hypothesized to influence spawning behaviors of coral reef fishes that broadcast gametes pelagically. The duration of spawning ascents of 13 species were measured from video footage at a single spawning site for mul- tiple coral reef fishes to investigate ff this behavior was influenced by varying risks of predation. Fishes that spawned in pairs had as- cents of longer duration than group-spawning species. Duration of spawning ascents did not vary between fishes spawning at daytime and dusk, nor between group-spawning species with specific anti-predatory morphological adaptations. These results indicate that risk of predation may not significantly influence the duration of spawning ascents of pair spawning reef fishes at our study site, while group-spawning behaviors are influenced by predation. Avoidance of egg predation by benthic organisms and female mate choice are more likely to influence the pelagic spawning behaviors of all fishes observed [Current Zoology 58 （1）： 95-102, 2012].
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC)(No.41930534)。
文摘Japanese Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius is a pelagic,neritic species that occurs in the Yellow Sea in high commercial value.The spawning period of this fast-growing species is controlled by water temperature.Based on microstructural analysis of otoliths from 145 young-of-the-year(YoY)S.niphonius collected by trawl in 2017,2018,and 2020,and the temporal variation in the spawning period in the northern Yellow Sea,and its relationship to water temperature were examined.We found that the spawning lasted from late April to late June but differed in year:in 2017 it occurred from April 23 to June 1 and peaked in early May,in 2018 it extended later from May 7 to June 29,and in 2020 from May 6 to June 22 and peaked later from late May to mid-June.The highest temperature in 2017 corresponds with the earliest end of the spawning period and a lower growing degree-day(GDD,℃·day)of 383℃·day.In 2018,slower warming corresponds with a longer spawning period,and a GDD spawning period of 506℃·day.Rapid warming in late 2020 corresponds with a spawning peak,and a GDD spawning temperature of 448℃·day.Despite differences in spawning period,the water temperature when spawning commenced was 10-12℃.Therefore,water temperature is the major determinant of the spawning period,affecting both the starting and the ending of spawning.This study improved our understanding of the spawning dynamics and environmental adaptation of S.niphonius,and how these might change in environments subject to increased warming.
文摘Pseudopleuronectes yokamae (Günther) is one of the most important economic fish species in the genus living specially in the northwest Pacific, and is distributed in the southern area of the far east sea of Russia, Japan, Korea, the Huanghai Sea, the Bohai Sea and the northern area of the East China Sea. Usually they live in nearshore waters of these areas as geographic subpopulations. P. yokamae in the Sheath Bay belongs to a local group of the Huanghai-Bohai Sea subpopulation and is distributed in the mouth and adjacent waters of the bay all the year round, and the catch of its spawning group has
基金Supported by National "12th Five-Year Plan" Key Technology R&D Program(2012BAD19B03)
文摘The fecundity and spawning locations of rice planthoppers in several rice varieties were surveyed in the test. The results showed that spawning behavior of rice planthoppers obeyed obvious niche distribution; rice planthopper preferred to lay eggs in the leaf sheath with spawning mark distance more than 20 cm, while they liked to lay eggs in the leaves with spawning mark distance of 10 - 20 cm. The average fecundity in leaf sheaths was obviously higher than that in leaves, indicating that leaf sheaths were more suitable for spawning of rice planthoppers than leaves.
文摘Muricids are commercially important gastropods and are exploited primarily for shell craft industries. They also occupy a niche in ornamental keeping. Studies on the larval development of muricids in Indian waters are few. Hence, an attempt was made to study with a focus on the optimum requirements for captive brood maintenance;regional variation in egg laying, intracapsular development and to estimate production potential of individual brooder (the length/ weight ranged from 80 -?110 mm/49 -?169 g (average 94.875 ± 3.980 mm/111.625 ± 14.870 g) of Chicoreus virgineus var. ponderosa collected off Tuticorin coast, Gulf of Mannar. Experimental airlift water circulation system fitted in 1 t FRP tanks having an overturn of 300% water is found suitable for long term maintenance and maturation of brooders with near cent percent survival over a year. Spontaneous breeding commenced from June ’09. Eggs cases were ‘vase’ shaped and measured 1.2 -?1.5 cm in height. Egg case numbers varied between 110 and 140 and got reduced to 10 -?40 during October and increased in Nov & December. Number of eggs within the egg case was highly variable ranging from 100 -?380. Eggs were spherical, embedded in jelly mass within the egg case and measured 510 -?608 μ (578 μ). Intra capsular development is detailed and compared with the earlier report on this species from other areas of Indian coast. Development took nearly 20 days and only few free living juveniles measuring between 1.7 -?1.9 mm emerged and the rest of the eggs have functioned as “Nurse eggs”. Average net production potential of a single viable egg case was estimated to be 6.7 nos for Chicoreus virgineus var. ponderosa of Tuticorin coast of Gulf of Mannar.
