title: Notes on the reproductive biology of the Brazilian electric ray Narcine brasiliensis (Elasmobranchii: Narcinidae).
abstract: This study provides information on the reproductive biology of Narcine brasiliensis based on 105 individuals (72 females and 33 males) sampled in São Paulo State, Brazil. The total length at maturity for females was 318·9 mm and for males was 279·8 mm; pregnant females were observed only during summer and autumn. The peak of the gonado-somatic index for females and condition factor for males in the spring suggest a preparation for pregnancy and a mating period during this season. The capture of immature individuals indicates a need for management of the species in this region.
authors.affiliation: Biosciences Institute, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro Campus, Av. 24-A, 1515, CEP 113506-900, Rio Claro, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Rolim
authors.affiliation: Zoological Collection, Santa Cecilia University (UNISANTA), Rua Oswaldo Cruz, 266, Boqueirão, CEP 11045-907, Santos, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Rotundo
authors.affiliation: São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Vicente Campus, Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/no, Parque Bitaru, CEP 11330-900, São Vicente, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Vaske-Júnior
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D015509:Developmental Biology; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D012098:Reproduction; D012621:Seasons; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D014101:Torpedo / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Batoidea; Torpediniformes; life cycle; reproduction