Variations in liver and body condition during gonad development of Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.)

Abstract

Data were collected from Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) caught in gill nets and on long lines in northern Norway between September and March during the years 1981-1986. The liver is significantly depleted during the spawning season, thus indicating that it is an important energy source for the halibut in this period. The carcass seems less affected by the energy expenditures involved in the seasonal accumulation of reproductive tissues and in spawning, particulary in females where no significant sacrifice of body weight was observed.