An experimental investigation of the non‐reproductive, post‐mature state in winter flounder

Winter flounder from known locations were sorted according to their reproductive status about 4 weeks before spawning. Five groups were then fed to satiation and three groups were not fed. The experiment was terminated at the end of the summer feeding season. At termination, only one of the recently spawned fish with restricted feeding showed gonad recrudescence. Conversely, all previously reproductive fish which had been fed to satiation showed gonad recrudescence. Fish fed to satiation included some which had been initially designated non‐reproductive post‐mature. These experiments indicate that a non‐reproductive post‐mature state is inducible and may be reversible, with the switch related to nutritional status.