Breeding biology of a carangid fish Selaroides leptolepis Cuv. (Perciformes) along Tuticorin, southeast coast of India

Abstract

Studies on ova diameter frequency, seasonal occurrence of maturity stages, gonado-somatic indices and relative condition factor (Kn) revealed that S. leptolepis was a prolonged breeder and the individuals spawned once in a year. The spawning period for S. leptolepis was from August to March with two peaks, one in January to February and the other in September to October. Length at first maturity in S. leptolepis was 113.8mm (TL) for both the sexes. Fecundity studies showed a direct and significant correlation with total length and body weight. Sex ratio conformed to the expected 1:1 ratio in all the months of the year.