Reproductive Biology of the Pacific Spadenose Shark <i>Scoliodon Macrorhynchos</i> , a Heavily Exploited Species in the Southern Taiwan Strait

The reproductive biology of the heavily exploited Pacific Spadenose Shark Scoliodon macrorhynchos was studied by examining 246 males and 197 females, including 64 gestational individuals, caught semi-industrial fisheries using demersal trawling in southern Taiwan Strait. Total length (LT) at 50% maturity (L50) estimated 464 mm LT for 429 females. annual cycle determined based on percentage pregnant mature females concurrent vitellogenesis with embryonic development. Mating occurred from August to December, as evidenced presence fresh mating injuries their body surface spermatozoa cloaca uteri. monthly change embryo size indicated that parturition between June after 5–6 months gestation, an 190–218 birth. litter size, which ranged 1 20 pups a mean ± SD 9.4 3.9 (n = 64), positively correlated maternal LT. Altogether, these findings provide valuable information is needed adequate management conservation Sharks Strait adjacent waters.