Changes in composition during embryo development of the gulper shark, Centrophorus granulosus (Elasmobranchii, Centrophoridae):: An assessment of maternal-embryonic nutritional relationships

Centrophorus granulosus is a deep sea shark that reproduces through aplacental viviparity. Its fecundity is one of the lowest described with only one embryo in a pregnancy lasting about two years. Its mature ovarian egg reaches one of the largest cellular sizes (> 350 g) described for any animal species. A previous report suggested a loss of organic matter during development of about 50% (Ranzi 1932), the highest rate reported for any elasmobranch. We measured the amounts of water, organic and inorganic matter in a complete series of embryos, by drying and later incinerating separately the external yolksac, eviscerated body, internal yolksac, liver and digestive tract. Wet weight of uterine ova ranged from 143.2-370.4 g, was positively and significantly correlated with maternal size, and the size of full-term embryos increased with maternal size. A graphical method was developed to allow weight comparison between uterine ova and full-term embryos while taking into account the initial variability in uterine ova size. Total wet weight of the embryo system increased during development by +31/+34%. Changes in percentage composition (from initial values) were: water +99/+101%; organic matter -18/-25%; inorganic matter +114/+170%. The rate of decrease of organic matter was much lower than previously suggested, and was similar to values described for oviparous species. These results suggest that C. granulosus is a strictly lecithotrophic species, with no maternal contribution of organic matter during development, although the female does provide both water and inorganic material. Other factors that might influence the accuracy of this assessment are discussed.