Sex Ratio, Spawning Cycle, and Size at Maturity of Bluespotted Seabream (Pagrus Caeruleostictus, Val 1987) From the Coast of Ghana
Abstract
A reproductive study was carried out on 558 individuals of Bluespotted seabream, _Pagrus caeruleostictus_ from the coast of Ghana, aiming to enhance understanding of some aspects of their reproductive biology. These specimens were sampled monthly and analysed for sex ratio, spawning cycle and size at first maturity. Among the individuals, 391 (70.07%), were males and 167 (29.92%) were females, indicating a skewed sex ratio of 1 female to 1.29 males. Analysis of maturity stages frequency revealed that both male and female individuals was characterized by five distinct stages (I-V). The highest spawning peak for females was in March, whereas the highest spawning peak observed for the males was in April. Additionally, males dominated the larger size classes which confirms the protogynous nature of _P. caeruleostictus_. The size at first maturity was 30.0 cm and 27.2 cm for females and males respectively. From the study, minimum landing size of the species enshrined in Fisheries Regulation of Ghana should be revised. This would enhance the sustenance of the species within the marine waters of Ghana.
Abstract
Section titled “Abstract”A reproductive study was carried out on 558 individuals of Bluespotted seabream, Pagrus caeruleostictus from the coast of Ghana, aiming to enhance understanding of some aspects of their reproductive biology. These specimens were sampled monthly and analysed for sex ratio, spawning cycle and size at first maturity. Among the individuals, 391 (70.07%), were males and 167 (29.92%) were females, indicating a skewed sex ratio of 1 female to 1.29 males. Analysis of maturity stages frequency revealed that both male and female individuals was characterized by five distinct stages (I-V). The highest spawning peak for females was in March, whereas the highest spawning peak observed for the males was in April. Additionally, males dominated the larger size classes which confirms the protogynous nature of P. caeruleostictus. The size at first maturity was 30.0 cm and 27.2 cm for females and males respectively. From the study, minimum landing size of the species enshrined in Fisheries Regulation of Ghana should be revised. This would enhance the sustenance of the species within the marine waters of Ghana.