Life history and peculiarities of common wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) in the white sea

Abstract

In the White Sea, spawning of the common wolffish (Anarhiehas lupus) was observed from late July until the second half of September. Eggs hatched from the beginning of April to the middle of May at estimated depths of The water temperature during development oTeggs decreased from ca. 7 to - I"C between August and April. The pelagic young of a length of 19.3-28.3 mm were caught from early April to the begmning of June. Individuals ofboth sexes reach maturity at the age of 5-7 years, when thev were about 35 cm long. When 9-10 years old the rate of linear growth decreases considerably. Length-weight ratios are given for fish ranging in length from 2.1 to 81 cm. Features of gonad ma tu rat ion a re described. Since spent females retain vacuolar oocytes this maiuralion stage should be considered to be VI-111. Almost all males from the middle of June to the first half of September are ripe. During the feeding period (from June until early August) wolffish hide, preferring depths of 6-9 m and temperatures of 10-1 TC. Habits of the common wolffish in the While Sea and in other regions are com pa red. © 1993 Conseil International pour l’Exploration de la Mer.