Observations on the biology, distribution and abundance of Trachurus declivis, Sardinops neopilchardus and Scomber australasicus in the Great Australian Bight
1984
Stevens, J.D. | Hansfield, H.F. | Davenport, S.R. (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Hobart (Australia). Div. Fisheries Research)
T. declivis and S. australasicus spawn in the summer in this area, whereas S. neopilchardus spawns in the summer and autumn. Copepods were the principle item in S. neopilchardus stomachs, and euphausids and mysids occurred most frequently in the stomachs of T. declivis and S. australasicus. The main feeding period was between midday and early afternoon. S. australasicus shows rapid initial growth, reaching sexual maturity at around 30 cm FL in 3 years. T. declivis and S. neopilchardus mature during their first and second year at about 17 and 12 cm FL respectively. Juvenile T. declivis have an inshore distribution which is probably related to the abundance of suitable-sized prey. Large catches of the 3 species were made sporadically by commercial ventures in the area between July 1978 and March 1980. Acoustic surveys and pelagic trawling indicated little pelagic activity in the area between April and December 1980.
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