Changes in body composition associated with growth and reproduction in Galeichthys feliceps (Teleostei: Ariidae)

Abstract

White seacatfish Galeichthys feliceps were collected from four Eastern Cape estuaries and the sea. Males utilized estuarine mouth regions for egg incubation, which peaked from September to December. The energy expended in mouth-brooding amounted to 8 per cent of male body energy (27% of body fat). The amount of energy invested in functional egg production equalled 26 per cent of female body energy (fecundity 70 ± 13). There was an increase in energy of fish bodies as body length increased whereas embryo energy decreased as development progressed.