This paper presents data on the seasonal variation of gonadosomatic, h
epatosomatic and feeding indices in nesting males, females and female-
like males of the blenniid fish Salaria pave. Eviscerated condition fa
ctors, female fecundity and feeding rates are also presented. The resu
lts are consistent with the hypothesis that females maximize their fee
ding rates during reproduction, converting food into eggs through repe
ated spawning. Nesting males feed at a very low rate during the breedi
ng season. It is argued that one major component of the reproductive c
osts in these males is the reduction of feeding opportunities. Female-
like males present lower reproductive costs, which probably reflects t
he compromise between fertilizing some eggs and growing. (C) 1997 The
Fisheries Society of the British Isles.