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This study investigated the reproductive biology of Chelon fishes in Kaohsiung river and its harbor area. Fish samples were collected monthly from various sources. Between Jan. 1992 to Mar. 1993, Chelon specimens were provided by anglers who angled at Kaohsiung river. From Dec. 1993 to Jun. 1995, monthly sampling were carried out by used gill net, at Kaohsiung river and Harbor. Additional offshore samples were collected by beach seine at the coast of Hsi-Tsu-Wan. The results shown that the distribution of Chelon fishes were different. C. macrolepis was distributed in both Kaohsiung river , harbor area and Hsi-Tsu- Wan, C. subviridis was distributed restrictly in to Hsi-Tsu- Wan. The reproductive periods of C. macrolepis and C. subviridis were also significantly different. The former spawned from Dec. to May, while the latter spawned all year around. Sex ratio of C. macrolepis and C. subviridis were female : male = 0.9 :1 and 2.2 : 1, respectively. According to the frequency distribution of egg diameterand the examination of gonad, it was confirmed that the C. macrolepis and C. subviridis were group synchronous spawner. The size of females were usually larger than males, the first maturing size of were 14 cm and 11 cm for female C. macrolepis and C. subviridis, respectively and 13 cm and 11 cm for male. The fecundity of C. macrolepis and C. subviridis were 4-10*104 and 6-20*104, respectively. Several evidences show that the C. macrolepis and C. subviridis have the seaward spawning migration. This is a general reproductive characteristic of Chelon / Muglid fish species. The reproductive characteristics of C. subviridis and C. macrolepis were significantly different. The former was better than the latter, but C. macrolepis dominated to the C. subviridis.
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