Aspects of the general biology of Vahl's eelpout,Lycodes vahlii gracilisM. Sars, 1867 (Pisces, Zoarcidae), in Oslofjorden, Norway

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Abstract
Asbtract A population of Lycodes vahlii gracilis was sampled in the inner part of Oslofjorden between November 1981 and August 1982. This species occurred between 106 and 200 m depth, 5.75 to 6.70° C, and 32.77 to 34.92 ‰. Generally. occurrence was where dissolved oxygen levels were relatively high for the area (4.54 to 5.83 ml O2/litre). The northern extension of this species into Oslofjorden was more restricted than it was historically. The major contributing factors revolved around a stress on the fjord, mainly from the north, which reduced dissolved oxygen levels and benthic diversity. This species achieved X year classes for both males and females with a sexual dimorphism in growth. Von Bertalanffy growth curves on both age at capture and calculated length (from otoliths) indicated males continued to grow throughout their life span (L x = 27.5 and 28.2 cm, A0.95 = 21.0 and 19.1 years respectively). Female L x and A0.95 were both within the lengths and ages recorded in this study for both age at capture and back calculated length (L x = 15.3 and 15.8 cm, A0.95 = 7.6 and 6.8 years respectively). A size selective mortality was suggested for females. The spawning season in Oslofjorden was in the autumn from August onward. Females produced few eggs (18–40) between 2.40 and 6.55 mm in diameter.

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