The reproductive potential of Pseudobatos productus: Intraspecific and interspecific variation

• Published in: Regional studies in marine science 2020-09, Vol.39, p.101428, Article 101428
• Main Authors: Medina-Trujillo, E.C., Mejía-Falla, P.A., Sosa-Nishizaki, O.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Baja California; Fecundity; Gulf of California; Pseudobatos; Reproductive cycle; Sexual maturity
• ISSN: 2352-4855; 2352-4855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2020.101428

The reproductive potential of the shovelnose guitarfish, Pseudobatos productus, was described for Bahía Sebastián Vizcaíno, a bay in the western coast of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico, and contrasted with other commercially important fishing sites for this species. The reproductive cycle of P. productus at this bay is annual. Ovulation and fertilization occur during summer and are followed by an eight-month period of embryonic diapause that takes place from September until April of the following year. Subsequently, a four-month period of embryonic development takes place from May to August, after which birth occurs. The approximate length at birth in this study was 20 cm, while the length at sexual maturity for males and females was 90 and 92 cm, respectively. Pseudobatos productus embryos presented a 1:1 sex ratio at birth and the observed mean fecundity (11 pups) is the highest that has been reported for this species. The fecundity of Pseudobatos productus is higher on Bahía Sebastián Vizcaíno than in the Gulf of California and greater than that of other Pseudobatos species. In Mexico, the development of specific management strategies that consider the differences in reproductive parameters between geographical regions are necessary to ensure that P. productus fisheries are sustainable.