Prematuration differences in male and female Atlantic cod: Investigating sex ratio, length and ecotype disparities in juveniles.

Abstract

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and skewed sex ratios are common in the animal kingdom, and marine fishes, such as the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), are no exception. This study utilized newly discovered sex-linked genetic markers to investigate young-of-the-year cod in the Skagerrak system, comprising approximately 2700 individuals from North Sea and fjord ecotypes. Overall, no significant difference in sex ratio was observed overall (51% females, 49% males), with consistent findings across 14 locations and three sheltering degrees. Although slightly more females were found in exposed areas, and slightly more males in sheltered regions, these differences were not significant. Size variation between female and male cod was generally negligible. These results indicate a likely purely genetic sex determination system in Atlantic cod and a lack of prematuration growth differences between sexes. This research enhances our understanding of the Atlantic cod, providing more insight into the Atlantic cod population in the Skagerrak and emphasizing the importance of genetic factors in sex determination.