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Spawning and Development of the New Zealand Sprat, Sprattus Antipodum (Hector)

Abstract

Abstract

In the Marlborough Sounds region the New Zealand sprat spawns from July to January. Females of 86mm body length are mature and contain up to 4,000 ripe eggs. Fertilised eggs are free-floating and measure between 0.81 and 1.10mm in diameter. They are spherical, with a small perivitelline space and a segmented yolk with no oil globule. Eggs hatch after about four days in water of temperatures between 11° and 13°C. Larvae are sparsely pigmented, with a convoluted intestine and posteriorly placed anus. Metamorphosis to juvenile sprats involves a marked increase in pigmentation and deepening of the body.