Characterization of the reproductive biology of the sparid fish: Rhabdosargus haffara in suez bay, red sea

Abstract

Family Sparidae is represented in Suez Bay by seven species; the most dominant species of them is the Haffara seabream, Rhabdosargus haffara. Samples were collected during the fishing season 2018-2019. A total of 254 specimens were collected comprising 132 female and 122 male, the sex ratio is 1: 1.08 M: F. The chi square test showed no significant difference between male and female. The spawning season was found to be extended from November to March. The length at first sexual maturity is 12.3 and 12.7cm for male and female, respectively. The variation of maturity stages during the period of study was recorded. R. haffara is characterized by high fecundity as the absolute fecundity ranged from 32258 ova to 65500 ova with an average of 50245 ova. Relative fecundity ranged from 333.6 to 521.4 oocytes g-1 with an average of 431.5 oocytes g-1.