Gonadal condition of the cyprinid stream fish Notropis telescopus (telescope shiner) was monitored from Feb. to Sep. to determine reproductive schedule. The study site was at the southern limit of species range in northeastern Alabama. Notropis species are multiple batch spawners with strong seasonality to gonadal size and condition. The number of maturing oocytes observed in ovaries was at a peak from Apr. to Jul., with strong majorities of oocytes at the most mature stages in Apr., May and Jun. Ripe and fully mature ovaries were found in fish collected in Apr., May and Jun. A pronounced peak in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) was found in Jun. for both males and females. The evidence points to an Alabama spawning season from Apr. to Jul., peaking in the middle of this season.
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The American Midland Naturalist
Vol. 163 • No. 2
April 2010
Vol. 163 • No. 2
April 2010