Reproduction, Maturation, and Identification of Larvae of some Sebastes (Scorpaenidae) Species in the Northeast Pacific Ocean

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Abstract
Insemination and parturition seasons, maturation, and descriptions of preextrusion larvae were reported for several Sebastes (Scorpaenidae) species (66,760 specimens; 31 species) studied during 1963–73 in the northeast Pacific Ocean, from Oregon (43°N) to the western Gulf of Alaska (170°W). Principal month of insemination was October. Parturition season varied considerably among species — earlier than February for two species, and later than June for five. Within species, parturition season was generally later in the higher latitudes. Maturation of both sexes included an intermediate stage whose minimum duration was 1 yr. Length–maturity relationships were determined for 18 Sebastes species. The size interval in which 50% of specimens were mature ranged from < 17 cm for male S. saxicola to 48 cm for female S. pinniger. Identification of preextrusion larvae by conventional morphological criteria was precluded by interspecific similarities and intraspecific differences. Within-area bathymetric variation in gonad development of S. alutus provided additional evidence of subpopulations.

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