A preliminary study on the effect of lunar cycles on the spawning behaviour of the gilt-head sea bream, Sparus aurata
Saavedra, M.; Pousao-Ferreira, P. (2006). A preliminary study on the effect of lunar cycles on the spawning behaviour of the gilt-head sea bream, Sparus aurata. J. Mar. Biol. Ass. U.K. 86(4): 899-901. https://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0025315406013841
In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Cambridge University Press/Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom: Cambridge. ISSN 0025-3154; e-ISSN 1469-7769, more
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| Keywords |
Behaviour > Reproductive behaviour
Moon phases
Spawning
Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top |
- Saavedra, M.
- Pousao-Ferreira, P.
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| Abstract |
Environmental cues such as photoperiod and water temperature are often used by fish as a sign to begin reproduction. However, even after the reproductive cycle has started there are other signs, such as the moon phase that may affect the number of eggs laid by some fish species. The existence of a moon effect has never been investigated in any fish of the sparid family. In the present study, the effect of moon phase was observed on eggs laid by two Sparus aurata in indoor tanks over a four month period, from January to May, 2003. During this period a peak in eggs laid was observed around the Full Moon. A total of 8644 g and 5653 g of eggs were collected, 4535 g corresponding to the Full Moon and 2882 g to the New Moon. |
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