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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 61(11)

Life-history traits of the southern hemisphere eastern red scorpionfish, Scorpaena cardinalis (Scorpaenidae: Scorpaeninae)

John Stewart A B and Julian M. Hughes A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Cronulla Fisheries Research Centre of Excellence, PO Box 21, Cronulla, NSW 2230, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: John.Stewart@industry.nsw.gov.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 61(11) 1290-1297 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF10040
Submitted: 17 February 2010  Accepted: 27 May 2010   Published: 16 November 2010

Abstract

Fishes of the family Scorpaenidae (scorpionfish/rockfish) are important to benthic rocky-reef communities and fisheries globally. The present study is the first to provide biological information for any species of the genus Scorpaena (Scorpaena cardinalis) in southern hemisphere waters, namely south-eastern Australia. Growth of S. cardinalis was estimated using size-at-age data from sectioned otoliths. Growth was slow, with fish attaining ∼22 cm after 5 years and 26 cm after 10 years. The oldest fish sampled was estimated to be 33 years old. In contrast to similar-sized congeneric species, males increased in length significantly faster and attained larger sizes than females. Variable recruitment patterns were evident from the age composition of the sampled population. Males of S. cardinalis had mean gonadosomatic index levels (0.09%) an order of magnitude smaller than did the females (2.8–4%) during the March spawning peak. S. cardinalis possesses a cystovarian Type II-3 ovary, a highly specialised form associated with external fertilisation and the production of eggs in a floating gelatinous mass. Traits such as slow growth, substantial longevity, variable recruitment patterns and a highly specialised reproductive strategy may make this species vulnerable to over-exploitation as has occurred with other members of the family Scorpaenidae elsewhere.

Additional keywords: growth, histology, reproductive mode, Scorpaena.


Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (Grant No. 2004/035), the NSW Saltwater Recreational Trust and the NSW Department of Industry & Investment. We thank Drs Chris Walsh and Michael Lowry for reviewing drafts of this paper and two anonymous referees for their constructive comments.


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