Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Ajemian, Matthew J.

Abstract

Bonefish (Albula spp.) support an economically important sport fishery, yet little is known regarding the reproductive biology of this genus. Analysis of oocytes histology and sex hormone levels was conducted on wild female bonefish sampled during and outside the spawning season in Grand Bahama, Central Andros, and South Andros, The Bahamas to assess reproductive state. Bonefish are commonly found along shallow water flats, or in pre-spawn aggregations (PSA) during spawning months. 17β-estradiol levels suggest vitellogenic consistency between habitats. However, fish are more reproductively developed at PSA based on the occurrence of larger, more prevalent vitellogenic oocytes and evidence of final maturation. Variability in hormone levels and spawning readiness existed between Grand Bahama and Andros PSAs, suggesting peak spawning may differ by region. Findings from this study will contribute baseline data to the captive bonefish restoration project at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and to the limited ecological data regarding bonefish reproduction.

Extent

88 p.

Comments

Includes bibliography.|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2018.|FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection|Includes bibliography.

Identifier

FA00013133

Format

pdf

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