Schools of these fish migrate along the California and Mexican coasts during the year. Their eyes and digestive system will develop four days after hatching. Larvae will begin to hatch approximately 103 to 108 hours after fertilization. ![]() Spawning output depends on body size, with smaller females producing 458,000 eggs and larger females producing 3,914,000 eggs annually. The female will then begin to spawn, followed closely by the male spawning. Ten to fifteen minutes prior to spawning, the male will begin to nip the female’s abdomen, and the female begins to swim in a circular fashion while turning on her side. The pair begins swimming erratically, with sudden bursts of speed and mid-water stalls with their bodies or snouts touching. The male will place himself beneath a female with his snout touching the female’s gonoduct. Spawning typically occurs in December and January if the water temperature is about 62.6 degrees F (17 degrees C).Ĭourtship begins thirty to ninety minutes prior to spawning. California yellowtail are broadcast spawners. Sexual maturity is typically reached at two to three years. Larval California yellowtail eat plankton. DietĪdults eat squid, herring, sardines, northern anchovies, and California flying fish. The average length of California yellowtail is 31 inches (80 cm), with a maximum length of 8.2 feet (2.5 m). The caudal fin and most other fins are mainly yellow. A narrow bronze stripe next to lateral line turns yellow as it nears the caudal fin. They have a dark blue dorsal color and silver sides and belly. Countershading (having darker coloration on the dorsal side and lighter shading on the ventral side) helps these fish stay hidden from predators and prey, alike. This large, fast-swimming, fusiform fish has a narrow caudal peduncle and strongly forked tail. They prefer subtropical waters ranging from 64.4 to 75.2 degrees F (18 to 24 degrees C). These fish are typically found over rocky reefs, around offshore islands, and within kelp forests. This species’ range extends from Southern California to the Baja Peninsula, Mexico. ![]() The fish were provided by Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute. An exhibit with a school of about one hundred California yellowtail is located in the Pacific Visions Culmination Gallery.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |