Reproductive biology of Atlantoraja cyclophora (Regan1903) (Elasmobranchii:Rajidae) off southern Brazil

Abstract

A total of 459(245 females, 214 males) Atlantoraja cyclophora was captured by bottom trawl off the coast of Rio Grande do Sul between 30º40'S and 34º30'S during surveys conducted in winter 2001 and summer/autumn 2002 at depths of 100 e 300m. Total length at maturity was 52.8cm for female sand 48.5cm for males.Symmetry and functional parity of the gonads were observed in both sexes,but there was no significant temp oral variation in either sex for any of the reproductive parameters studied. Ovulation and egg-deposition were similarly intensive in both seasons. In adult females, there was an ovarian resting period at an individual level, though it was not synchronized at a population level. Distribution of egg-bearing females was not related to depth or species' range.