Effect of size on spawning time in the lesser sandeel Ammodytes marinus.

Ovarian development was examined in relation to size and temperature in late pre-spawning Ammodytes marinus over 5 years. Oocyte diameter was positively related to length indicating that larger females spawned earlier. Age and temperature, whilst accounting for the effect of length, were not found to affect oocyte development, although the thermal range examined was only 1·3° C.