On the biology of Florida East Coast Atlantic Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus)
Jolley Jr., J.W. (1974). On the biology of Florida East Coast Atlantic Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus), in: Shomura, R.S. et al. (Ed.) Proceedings of the International Billfish Symposium, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 9-12 August 1972. Part 2. Review and contributed papers. NOAA Technical Report NMFS, 675: pp. 81-88 In: Shomura, R.S.; Williams, F. (Ed.) (1974). Proceedings of the International Billfish Symposium, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 9-12 August 1972. Part 2. Review and contributed papers. NOAA Technical Report NMFS, 675. NOAA: Seattle. , more In: NOAA Technical Report NMFS. NOAA: Washington, D.C.. ISSN 0892-8908, more | |
Keywords | Biology Population functions > Growth Properties > Biological properties > Fecundity Recreation > Fishing > Sport fishing Spawning Istiophorus platypterus (Shaw, 1792) [WoRMS] ASW, USA, Florida [Marine Regions] Marine/Coastal |
Abstract | The sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus, is one of the most important spp in southeast Florida's marine sport fishery. Recently, the concern about apparent declines in numbers of sailfish caught annually prompted investigations of the biological status of Florida's east coast sailfish populations. Fresh specimens from local sport catches were examined monthly during May 1970 through Sept 1971. Monthly plankton and 'night-light' collections of larval and juvenile stages were also obtained. Attempts are being made to estimate sailfish age using concentric rings in dorsal fin spines. Females were found to be consistently larger than male and more numerous during winter. A significant difference in length-weight relationship was also noted between sexes. Fecundity estimates varied from 0.8 to 1.6 million 'ripe'ova, indicating that previous estimates were probably high. Larval istiophorids collected from April through Oct coincided with the prominence of 'ripe' female in the sport catch. Microscopic examination of ovarian tissue and inspection of 'ripe' ovaries suggest multiple spawning. |
|