The Reproductive Biology of Two Common Surfzone Associated Sciaenids, Yellowfin Croaker (Umbrina roncador) and Spotfin Croaker (Roncador stearnsii), from Southern California

Abstract

Yellowfin croaker (Umbrina roncador) and spotfin croaker (Roncador stearnsii) were collected from San Clemente, California from May through September 2006. Both species were analyzed to determine batch fecundity. Yellowfin croaker ovaries were also histologically examined to describe their summer spawning activity. Batch fecundity in spotfin croaker (n 5 13) females ranged from 35,169 to 640,703 described by the equations BF 5 1.59E-07SL5.01 for length and BF 5 13.51W1.60 for total body weight. Yellowfin croaker (n 5 16) females batch fecundity ranged from 99,259 to 405,967 and was described by the equations BF 5 2.4E- 04SL2.02 for length or BF 5 0.33W0.68 for total body weight. Yellowfin croaker spawning was determined to begin by June and end by September.