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Preliminary Observations On The Reproductive Cycle And Uterine Fecundity Of The Yellow Stingray, Urobatis Jamaicensis (Elasmobranchii: Mylioba Tiformes: Urolophidae) In Southeast Florida, U.S.A., Daniel P. Fahy, Richard E. Spieler, William C. Hamlett

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles

The yellow stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis is the most common elasmobranch observed among the coral reefs and associated habitats of Southeast Florida, U.S.A. In coastal waters off Broward County, Florida, gravid females were observed throughout the year. Urobatis jamaicensis is an aplacental viviparous species with evidence of a short gestation period (five to six months). Vitellogenesis occurs concurrently with gestation, with the females having both term fetuses and mature ova simultaneously. It is likely that the females have a bi-annual reproductive cycle where each female is capable of producing two broods annually. The ovulation period in the spring/summer reproductive cycle ranged …