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Reproduction, growth and feeding of the dragonet, Callionymus lyra (Teleostei: Callionymidae), in Galway Bay, Ireland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2009

Pauline A. King ,
Julie M. Fives  and
David McGrath
Pauline A. King
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, The Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute, University College Galway, Ireland and Department of Life Sciences, Regional Technical College, Galway, Ireland
Julie M. Fives
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, The Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute, University College Galway, Ireland and
David McGrath
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, The Martin Ryan Marine Science Institute, University College Galway, Ireland and Department of Life Sciences, Regional Technical College, Galway, Ireland
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Abstract

A Galway Bay population of the dragonet Callionymus lyra (L.) was investigated between March 1978 and November 1979. Monthly collections were made on board commercial fishing vessels. A total of 3302 fish was examined. The male to female sex ratio in the catch was 1·14:1 and it departed significantly from a 1:1 ratio. Males grew significantly faster than females, when measured by length and by weight, and attained a greater maximum length, but females had a longer life span. Females were significantly heavier than males for any body length. The spawning season was protracted, lasting from January to August and peaking during February-April. Callionymus lyra is a carnivore, feeding mainly on polychaetes and crustaceans, but molluscs and echinoderms were also eaten in abundance. A yearly cycle in feeding intensity was observed, showing reduced feeding during the colder months. The feeding index expressed as gut weight / body weight was significantly higher for females.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 74 , Issue 3 , August 1994 , pp. 513 - 526
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 1994

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