Main Ref. | Breder, C.M. and D.E. Rosen, 1966 |
Mode | dioecism |
Fertilization | internal (oviduct) |
Mating type | |
Spawning frequency | one clear seasonal peak per year |
Spawning aggregation | Ref. |
Batch spawner | Yes. Ref. Michael, S.W., 1993 |
Reproductive guild |
nonguarders open water/substratum egg scatterers |
Parental Care | none |
Description of life cycle and mating behavior | Oviparous, paired eggs are laid. Embryos feed solely on yolk (Ref. 50449). Distinct pairing with embrace (Ref. 205). Lays auger type eggs (about 12-18cm, 4.7-7 inches long) among rocks & kelp, often with more than female using same oviposition site, with as many eggs found in a single nest; female lay 2 eggs at a time, from spring to late summer in Japan, 6-12 times during a single spawning season. Eggs hatch in 1 year. Hatch at 18 cm (7 inches), max length at 1.2m (3.9 ft.). During courtship, male grasps pectoral fin of female & wraps posterior part of body under her so single clasper can be inserted into her cloaca. In several mating bouts observed, copulation lasted as long as 15 minutes (Ref. 12951). |
Search for more references on reproduction | Scirus |