Distribution, Age and Growth, and Sexual Maturity of Witch Flounder (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus) in Newfoundland Waters

Abstract

Witch flounder (G. cynoglossus) were caught from the Hawke Channel to the S edge of the Grand Bank and W to the Scotian Shelf and the Gulf of St. Lawrence [Canada]. Although the largest catches were taken at 2-6.degree. C and 185-370 m, witch flounder were found at temperatures ranging from -1-10.degree. C and depths of 20-870 m. Witch flounder of the NE Newfoundland Shelf were largest and those of the Gulf of St. Lawrence smallest at comparable ages, with growth rates for the E coast of Newfoundland being faster than most other areas. Age and length at 50% sexual maturity ranged from 4.20-5.59 yr and 25-30 cm for males, and from 8.42-10.21 yr and 40-50 cm for females.