Biology of the Atlantic Argentine (Argentina silus Ascanius) on the Scotian Shelf

Abstract

On the Scotian Shelf, Argentina silus Ascanius was found mainly along the continental slope but extended into the deep-water basins of the central shelf. It was not found in the Bay of Fundy, and only a few were found in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It was found in largest numbers in depths between 100 and 150 fath (183–275 m) and at temperatures between 4 and 10 C.Although larger fish were usually found deeper, in general argentines from the slope region had a modal length of 21–28 cm and were from 2 to 7 years of age. Argentines taken from Emerald Basin had a modal length of 18–22 cm and were 1 or 2 years of age in autumn, but had a modal length of 30–36 cm and were 6–11 years of age in winter.Spawning occurred in the spring in Emerald Basin with males maturing around 25 cm and females around 30 cm.Since argentines grow slowly after the first few years and do not mature until several years after growth slows down, it is possible that heavy fishing might quickly reduce stocks and catches below current levels.