Some information on reproduction and embryonic development of the lesser guitarfish Zapteryx brevirostris in Southern Brazil

Abstract

         Individuals of Zapteryx brevirostris were caught from August 2003 to September 2004 using bottom trawl nets in a bay located in Southern Brazil. Total length ranged from 42.8 to 47.3 cm in males and 44.1 to 52.2 cm in females. Females with early developing embryos were captured in August 2003 and September 2004, suggesting that gestation occurs mainly in the spring. Length- weight relationship of the 45 embryos was alometric, and embryos’ total length did not reach the estimated newborn length. The data suggested that the studied area is used by Z. brevirostris during the gestation period.