Length and Age of First Maturation of Flemish Cap Cod in 1993 with an Histologic Study

Abstract

221 ovaries of cod caught on Flemish Cap in July 1993 were analyzed hiStologically . Sampled cod range from 31 to 88 cm in lengths. and the age ranged from 2 to 8 years old. To study the percentage of spawning females by size and age classes, the percentage of females ripening for the first time was also studied. The maduration ogive using cortical alveoli (like an indicative of the next spawners) was calculated as 50% maduration length and age at 50 cm and 4 years old and the maduration ogive using postovulatorie follicles (like indicative of those females which spawned at least one time) was calculated as 50% next maduration lenght and age at 64 cm and 5 years.