Variability in reproductive traits in the sex-changing fish, Coris julis, in the Mediterranean

The quantity and quality of propagules, i.e. reproductive output, play a key role in the dynamics of exploited populations, with particular implications for sex-changing fish. �ere, we studied for the first time the effects of maternal traits on the reproductive output of the Mediterranean rainbow wrasse Coris julis, a sequential hermaphroditic fish widely distributed in temperate marine coastal regions. The quantity of the reproductive output �batch fecundity) was significantly related to maternal size, which is of special interest in a species submitted to size-selective harvesting �recreational angling). �owever, egg quality �egg size) was not significantly related to any maternal factor and the spawning fraction was related to a seasonal pattern only. These results should contribute to improving estimations of the annual reproductive output and the stock assessment of this species� Certain implica� tions for management are discussed�