Reproductive biology and age and growth of the Missouri saddled darter Etheostoma tetrazonum.

Abstract

Females typically contained maturing clutches of 40-50 ova and spawned periodically from mid-March to July. Reproductive activity was interrupted in late April when heavy rains produced high stream flows. Darters in the smaller Pomme de Terre River were larger at a given age and in better condition than those in the Niangua River. Maximum longevity for both sexes was 4 yr with sexual maturity attained at 1 yr in females and after 2 yr in males. Length of the spawning period and production of many small clutches of eggs enhance reproductive success in an unpredictable fluctuating riffle habitat.-from Authors

Department(s)

Biology

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.2307/2425401

Publication Date

1-1-1983

Journal Title

American Midland Naturalist

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