Serial spawning and batch fecundity of Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus

Abstract

Histological analysis of the ovaries and the presence of multiple modes in oocyte size frequency distribution of Cape hake Merluccius capensis and M. paradoxus indicates that they are serial spawners. Batch fecundity, calculated by means of the 'hydrated oocyte method', was positively correlated to ovary-free fish mass and total fish length. The mean relative fecundity (ovary-free mass) of M. capensis and M. paradoxus was 160 ± 12 and 306 ± 25 eggs·g-1 respectively.