Fisheries Research Articles
Aggregation and stranding of elongate sunfish (Ranzania laevis) (Pisces: Molidae) (Pennant, 1776) on the southern coast of Western Australia
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
7-2010
Journal Title
Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia
ISSN
0035-922X
Keywords
slender sunfish, Ranzania laevis, fish kill, southern Western Australia
Disciplines
Aquaculture and Fisheries
Abstract
Despite a global distribution and moderate abundance in temperate and tropical seas, the biology of Ranzania laevis (Family: Molidae) (Pennant, 1776) is very poorly understood. In autumn/ winter 2008, numerous schools of R. laevis appeared on the south coast of Western Australia and several hundred individuals were washed ashore. Many of these fish were alive or recently deceased when found, creating a rare opportunity to study this species. Data on length, weight, diet and reproductive status obtained from stranded fish during this unusual event is described in the context of previously published information about this species. All fish examined appeared to be adults ranging from 300 to 700 mm total length. The ratio of males to females was 2:1. Gonad development indicated spawning was not imminent. The cause of the strandings was unclear, although advection of fish to the south coast by the tropical Leeuwin Current was strongly implicated.
Recommended Citation
Smith, K A,
Hammond, M,
and
Close, P G.
(2010), Aggregation and stranding of elongate sunfish (Ranzania laevis) (Pisces: Molidae) (Pennant, 1776) on the southern coast of Western Australia. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 93, 181-188.
https://library.dpird.wa.gov.au/fr_fja/465
