REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF THE SMALL-EYED FLATFISH, PARALICHTHYS MICROPS (GÜNTHER, 1881) (PLEURONECTIFORMES, PARALICHTHYDAE) OFF CONCEPCION BAY, CHILE

Abstract

A study on the reproductive cycle oí the small-eyed flatfish, Paralichthys microps (Günther 1881) was carried out in 366 individuáis collected off Concepción (Central Chile) from october 1992 to march 1994. The macroscopic examination oí gonads showcd the presence oí sexualiy mature females along the whole period of study, meanwhile, males appeared in mature and immature condition. The female gonadosomatic índex revealed high levels along the study period what reinforced the conclusión of a long period for the gonadic activity. The histological analysis showed the simultaneous presence of ovocites in different developmental stages throughout the whole year, with a spawning peak in spring and summer and lower activity in fall and winter. Thus, P. microps can be described as a múltiple or partial spawner fish.