Life cycle and population ecology of the flounderPlatichthys flesus(L.) in the Ythan estuary, Scotland

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Abstract
O, I and II group flounders showed a regular increase in length and weight between April and September, but did not grow during the winter months. These immature fish showed highest condition factors and calorific values in summer and lowest in winter. III and ⩾ IV group flounders had highest condition factors and calorific values in winter prior to spawning and lowest when they returned to the estuary as spents in April. Males matured towards the end of their third year and females towards the end of their fourth. Gonad development started in October and peak gonad weights were attained in November (males) and February to April (females). Diurnal variations in the numbers of fish were very marked on the Sleek of Tarty where larger numbers were caught at night. Little diurnal variation was noticeable on the Forvie Bank mud flat. Largest numbers of flounders were recorded between May and September when the population was 50–100 times larger than the winter low (January to March). Estimates of the total population size are given, based on observed densities on underwater transects. Seasonal changes in the population of flounders on the intertidal mud flats were influenced by four major migrations:

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