Fecundity of mooneye, Hiodon tergisus, in the Assiniboine River

Abstract
Age at sexual maturity, seasonal gonadal development, and fecundity estimates of mooneye were determined from 695 samples captured in the Assiniboine River between November 17, 1972, and November 2, 1973. Most mooneye became sexually mature in their 4th (III +) or 5th (IV +) year of life, with more males mature at age III + than females. During 1973, spawning began after May 8 and was completed by June 12. The peak spawning activity occurred during mid-May when water temperatures ranged from 10 to 13 °C. All age groups of sexually mature females had rapid ovarian development during the summer months with about 80% of maximum ovarian weight present by October 17. Ripe ova have a mean diameter of 1.98 ± 0.07 mm. The mean annual total fecundity of Assiniboine River mooneye was about 5000–9000 ova per female. The mean annual relative fecundity was about 2000–2400 ova per 100 g body weight.

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