Geographical differences in the condition, reproductive development, sex ratio, and length distribution of Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) from the Ross Sea, Antarctica (CCAMLR Statistical Subarea 88.1)

A number of morphological and reproductive measurements made seasonally on Antarctic toothfish Dissostichus mawsoni from mid-December to early April during the 2000-01 to 2004-05 fishing seasons aboard the autoliner San Aotea II have been analysed. Results of this study indicate measurable differences in a number of indices from toothfish found on the Ross shelf proper, as distinct from those sampled on the more isolated seamounts and features to the north. These are length modal distribution, sex ratio, fish body condition factor, and reproductive development. D. mawsoni samples from the northern part of the Ross Sea showed that this component of the population had a unimodal length distribution at a consistent peak over all sampling seasons in comparison with the southern group in which the distribution was multimodal, showed a consistent and significant higher ratio of males to females , was in poorer condition, and was more advanced in reproductive development.