Reproductive characteristics of the black scabbardfish Aphanopus carbo (Trichiuridae) in the Canary Islands

Abstract

In the frame of projects PESCPROF 1-3, the main reproductive aspects for black scabbardfish Aphanopus carbo off the Canary Islands were studied. Fish (n= 368) were caught at depths from 800 to 2300 m between 2004 and 2006. The sex ratio by depth clearly showed the presence of male and female individuals in all the studied strata. The Canary Islands can be considered to be a reproduction site for the species, since samples showing all stages of maturity were observed. Mean values of the gonadosomatic index were higher in the third and fourth quarters of the year. Size at 50% maturity was reached at 1095 and 1144 mm TL by males and females, respectively. Size at 95% maturity was reached at 1114 and 1175 mm TL by males and females, respectively. There was no significant difference in the size at 50% maturity between sexes, but there was in size at 95%.