Reproductive biology of Mustelus lenticulatus from Kaikoura and Nelson |
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| Authors: | Malcolm P Francis James T Mace |
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| Institution: | 1. Zoology Department , University of Canterbury , Christchurch 1, New Zealand;2. Zoology Department , University of Canterbury , Christchurch 1, New Zealand;3. Fisheries Management Division , Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries , Private Bag, Nelson, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | Mustelus lenticulatus is a non‐placental ovoviviparous shark with a gestation period of about 11 months. Young are born at a total length of 30–32 cm from September to December. Copulation, and ovulation of a further set of eggs, rapidly follows parturition. Fecundity increases with the length of the female; the most eggs found in one female was 24; the mean for all females was 10.73. Males mature at about 85 cm total length and females at 95 cm at Kaikoura. Nelson males probably mature at a smaller size than do Kaikoura males. Nelson females mature at about 85 cm. Maximum observed lengths were 137 cm for females and 115 cm for males. |
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| Keywords: | reproduction Elasmobranchii Mustelus lenticulatus Kaikoura Nelson |
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