On the life‐history of Atractoscion aequidens, a migratory sciaenid off the east coast of southern Africa

Abstract

East coast geelbek exist as a single stock comprising three distinct age/size structured subpopulations. The subadults (1‐4 years) occur in the SW Cape, South Africa. They feed principally on anchovy Engraulis capensis, which they follow inshore in summer and offshore in winter. The adults (5‐9+ years) undergo a seasonal inshore and longshore migration to Natal where they spawn offshore in spring. During this migration they feed mainly on the pilchard Sardinops sagax, which also move north‐eastwards during this time, facilitated by regional oceanographic conditions. ‘Adolescent’ fish (4/5 years) appear to undergo limited gonadal growth and partially accompany the spawning stock on their migration. It is suggested that the eggs, larvae and early juveniles are transported southwards by the peripheral inshore waters of the Agulhas Current. Juveniles (<2 years) use the SE Cape region as a nursery area for about 1 year, initially feeding on mysids and then switching to anchovy, before moving south‐westwards to join the Subadults in the SW Cape region. Copyright © 1995, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved