It is thought that poor water quality, physical trauma and stress sustained during spawning contribute to mortalities.
This paper suggests that egg retention may be the cause of deaths in captive Atlantic cod during spawning. Thus, it might be worthwhile considering artificial means of removing the retained eggs whether it be via hormonal induction, physical stripping or a combination of both.
Aquaculture Research
Volume 43, Number 2 (January 2012)
Spawning-related mortality in captive Atlantic cod (Gadus morhuaL.)
Authors: Tómas Árnason 1, Björn Björnsson 2
Author Affiliations: 1: Marine Research Institute, Grindavík, Iceland
2: Marine Research Institute, Reykjavík, Iceland
Source: Aquaculture Research, Volume 43, Number 2 (January 2012)
Page Numbers: 292 – 296
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Abstract: Two year-classes of Atlantic cod were reared in indoor tanks from November 2002 to November 2004. The average annual mortality was 21% and 36% for males and females respectively. The highest monthly mortality rates in females were observed around and during the spawning periods from March to July, maximally 7% and 20% for year-class 2001 and 18% and 34% for year-class 2000. The mortality in males was less dependent on season, reaching a maximum of 7% and 5% month-1for year-class 2001 and 2000 respectively. The maximum mortality during spawning increased with age from: 7%, 19% and 34% per month for 2-, 3- and 4-year-old females respectively. The average gonadosomatic indices in 3- and 4-year-old mature females that died during the spawning periods were 22% and 26% respectively and most of them were spawning when they died. The results suggest that egg-retention may have been the main cause of death in females during spawning.
Citation: Tómas Árnason, Björn Björnsson . Spawning-related mortality in captive Atlantic cod (Gadus morhuaL.). Aquaculture Research, Volume 43, Number 2 (January 2012), pp. 292-296,
URL: http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=4CD2BA4FACFDE90AF666
