THE REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE OF THE VIVIPAROUS TELEOST, NEOTOCA BILINEATA, A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY GOODEIDAE

Abstract

The laboratory observations of the breeding cycle of N. bilineata involved over 80 isolated [female][female] which were subject to a constant room temp. of approx. 70[degree] F and the normal daily fluctuation of light. The breeding season occurs from Feb. until July; little or no breeding occurs during fall and winter. Brood intervals are very constant in length throughout the breeding season and average 45 days. Although initial broods are small, successive broods increase progressively in size. Superfetation does not occur. Fertilization not only occurs approx. 7 days after the release of a previous brood but evidently occurs simultaneously with an inherent. periodic activation of the ovarian soma and a corresponding change in the color of the [female].