Reproduction of Zebrasoma flavescens : oocyte maturation, spawning patterns, and an estimate of reproductive potential for female yellow tang in Hawaiʻi
Reproduction of Zebrasoma flavescens : oocyte maturation, spawning patterns, and an estimate of reproductive potential for female yellow tang in Hawaiʻi
Date
2007
Authors
Bushnell, Megan
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Abstract
Zebrasoma flavescens is one of 80 species within the surgeonfish family Acanthuridae (Nelson, 2006). Acanthurids are gonochoristic and primarily herbivorous, and are found in coral reef habitats in tropical and subtropical seas, although they are absent in the Mediterranean (Nelson, 2006). Zebrasoma flavescens (the yellow tang) and several other surgeonfish species are common on most reefs in the Hawai'ian islands, including an exceptionally large population along the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i. In fact, local mythology suggests that the nickname 'Gold Coast' is in reference to the many golden-colored fishes visible in the shallow waters of Kona, thanks to the prevalence of yellow tangs. Yellow tang provide 70.5% of the total catch for the aquarium trade in the state of Hawai'i, and the majority of these fish are taken from the Kona (west) side of Hawai'i island (Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources, unpublished data, FY 2006). At the urging of local interests, whose intentions were to protect coral reef fish targeted for the aquarium trade, the state legislature established a network of nine separate Fish Replenishment Areas (FRAs) on the Kona coast of Hawai'i in 2000. Currently, these protected areas, where aquarium fishing is prohibited, encompass over 30% of the total western coastline. Since the inception of the FRA network, the Hawai'i Division of Aquatic Resources (HOAR) has been charged with maintaining populations of popular reef species, including the yellow tang, at levels that satisfy fishing interests, the burgeoning snorkel/scuba diving industry, and local conservationists. Information regarding the basic reproductive biology of a species can contribute to developing appropriate fishing regulations in terms of both location and season. The purpose of this research was to elucidate the timing and seasonality of yellow tang spawning along the Kona coast, and to use this information to estimate the reproductive potential of adult females within the population.
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Thesis (M.S.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2007.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-79).
vii, 79 leaves, bound 29 cm
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-79).
vii, 79 leaves, bound 29 cm
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Theses for the degree of Master of Science (University of Hawaii at Manoa). Zoology; no. 4232
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