Reproductive biology ofMustelus lenticulatusfrom Kaikoura and Nelson

Abstract
M. lenticulatus is a non-placental ovoviviparous shark with a gestation period of .apprx. 11 mo. Young are born at a total length of 30-32 cm from Sept.-Dec. Copulation and ovulation of a further set of eggs rapidly follows parturition. Fecundity increases with the length of the female; the most eggs found in 1 female was 24; the mean for all females was 10.73. Males mature at .apprx. 85 cm total length and females at 95 cm at Kaikoura. Nelson males probably mature at a smaller size than do Kaikoura males. Nelson females mature at .apprx. 85 cm. Maximum observed lengths were 137 cm for females and 115 cm for males.

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