Length and age of first maturation of Flemish Cap cod (Gadus morhua) in 1993 with an histological study

• Main Authors: González, María, Larrañeta, M. G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization 1996
• Subjects: Cod; Flemish cap; Histology; Spawning; Gadus morhua
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10261/59548

4 páginas, 2 tablas, 2 figuras Ovaries of cod (Gadus morhua) caught on the Flemish Cap in July 1993 were analyzed histologically to calculate spawning frequency in both past and future spawning seasons. The percentage of females ripening for the first time was also studied. The cod length ranged from 31 to 88 cm and the ages from 2 to 8 years. The occurrences of cortical alveoli in the ovaries was used as a criterion to indicate future spawners, and the postovulatory follicles as a criterion to indicate females which had spawned at least once. Ogives prepared for each criterion showed the 50% maturation at 50 cm length and 4 years old for future spawners, and the 50% maturation at 64 cm length and 5 years old was calculated for females which had spawned at least once. Peer reviewed