| ABSTRACT Reproductive biology of the Brazilian menhaden, Brevoortia aurea (Clupeiformes), was studied in Mar Chiquita Coastal Lagoon. Its abundance was analysed in relation to environmental variables, and the main biological-reproductive parameters were estimated: size at first maturity, batch and relative fecundity, frequency distribution of oocyte diameters and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Moreover, its reproductive cycle was analysed histologically. Samples were collected from May 2012 to April 2013. Once the spawning period was detected, extra samples were added (October and November 2013). The specimens were caught with gillnets, at a distance of 2,300 meters from the mouth of the lagoon. The highest abundances were observed in the months of October and... |
