New data on the reproductive activity of Mugil cephalus L. from Algerian coast

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide additional insight into the reproductive activity of Mugil cephalus L. along the Algerian coast. All specimens were sampled from local commercial fisheries from January 2017 to January 2018. The reproductive period and the size at first sexual maturity were determined. Our results show that the males reach sexual maturity at smaller lengths (28.8 cm) than females (34.5 cm) and that sex ratio is female-skewed (63% vs 37%). The peak of reproductive activity took place from August to October, and spawning took place in November. Sexual rest occurred during subsequent months with a tendency of fattening from December to April. The seasonal evolution of the gonadosomatic index suggests that M. cephalus breeds from August to October. The analysis of the evolution of hepatosomatic index and Fulton’s K apparently reveal no contribution of liver and muscle tissues to the reproduction activity of this species. The high fecundity estimated could be considered a reproductive strategy to maximise the survival of juveniles.