Some biological aspects and reproductive dynamic of the black-barred halfbeak hemiramphus far (Family: Hemiramphidae) in Bardawil lagoon, Egypt

Abstract

The black-barred halfbeak, Hemiramphus far is one of the popular fish in Bardawil lagoon which never studied before and its fishery status still unknown. The present study is undertaken to estimate some biological aspects and reproductive dynamics of the black-barred halfbeak in Bardawil lagoon. Otoliths were used for age determination and the maximum life span of this species was 4 years with the dominance of age group one in the catch. The length-weight relationship indicated a positive allometric growth for males and isometric growth for females. The overall sex ratio was 1:1.76 males to females. Monthly variations in maturity stages and gonado-somatic index revealed that this species spawn during May to July. The length at first sexual maturity (Lm50) was estimated at 23.1 cm. Number of ripe eggs fluctuated from 54250 eggs (21.6 cm total length) and 79250 eggs (29.2 cm total length).