Reproductive biology of roughhead grenadier (Macrourus berglax Lacepede, 1801) (Pisces, Macrouridae), in Northwest Atlantic waters

Several aspects of the reproductive biology of the roughhead grenadier,,Mac rourus berglax, are studied based upon samples collected on three different surveys during 1995 and 1996. A tentative assessment of the fecundity of t he species is undertaken. The oocyte development and the maturation process are described. based upon histological examination. The roughhead grenadie r shows "group-synchronous'' oocyte development. with at least two populati ons of oocytes in the ovary at any one time. The estimated total standing s tock of advanced yolked oocytes, per individual, varied from 14 363 eggs to 79 221 eggs. The length at first maturity (L-50) for roughhead females is 66.7 cm, corresponding approximately to 13-14 years (A(50)) (according to a vailable age-length keys fur the species, area and period studied).