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Aspects of the biology of the bronze bream, Pachymetopon grande (Teleostei:Sparidae) from the southeast Cape coast, South Africa

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 20:19 authored by Colin BuxtonColin Buxton, Clarke, JR
The biology of the spend fish, Pachymeropon grande, was investigated from data collected on the southeastern Cape coast between August 1984 and March 1987. Sectioned sagittal otoliths revealed that they are a slow-growing, long-lived species capable of reaching ages in excess of 40 years. Detailed histological examination of gonadal development showed that they are rudimentary hermaphrodites, males and females maturing after a non-functional intersexual stage. The breeding season is restricted to between January and June, and observations suggest that they are group spawners with pelagic eggs. Maturity was reached at 300 mm fork length or approximately 5.5 years old. P. grande is primarily herbivorous, feeding selectively on rhodophytes found on inshore reefs down to approximately 20 m. Minor dietary components included hydrozoans, octocorals and other small invertebrates. Macroalgal degradation by gut endosymbionts or the utilization of macroalgal eplbionts was not evident, suggesting that storage and extracellular carbohydrates of the macroalgae were utilized In the diet The impartance of P. grande to the inshore recreational angling fishery, together with certain aspects of its biology, underline the need for conservation measures aimed at ensuring the sustainability of this resource.

History

Publication title

South African Journal of Zoology

Volume

27

Pagination

21 - 32

ISSN

0254-1858

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

Zoological Society of Southern Africa

Place of publication

Pretoria, South Africa

Rights statement

© Copyright 1992, The Zoological Society of Southern Africa

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences

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