LAUSR

This study provides a novel record of the reproductive behavior of the Kong skate (Okamejei kenojei) in captivity. These skates were found to mate and deposit eggs at a temperature of 16.5 ± 0.5 °C. The results showed that 76.13% of the eggs possessed one yolk, 0.77% of the eggs possessed two yolks, and 23.11% of the eggs had no yolk (N = 1043). The deposition of non-yolk and double-yolk eggs was random. One hundred eggs were collected. After nearly 92±5 days of incubation, 28 eggs failed to hatch, and 72 skates were successfully hatched with a female-to-male ratio of 1:1 (P>0.05). The results enrich our knowledge of the reproduction in cartilaginous fishes and can inform management and conservation strategies for this species.