Aspectos reproductivos de Mugil curema (Perciformes: Mugilidae) en dos zonas de Baja California Sur, México

The white mullet Mugil curema is one of the main species that exploits the artisanal fishery on the Mexican Pacific coast. Addressing the reproductive aspects of species by fishing area will reduce bias in evaluating the status of their populations. The objective of the present study was to describe the reproductive cycle and estimate some biological parameters of the white mullet in two fishing sites on the coast of Baja California Sur. Monthly, samples from the catch were obtained in Bahía de La Paz (BLP) and Bahía Magdalena (BM), during 2010-2013. Gonadal maturation process was histologically analyzed and the reproductive cycle was described. Gonadosomatic index (GSI), condition factor (CF), hepatosomatic index (HSI), the weight-length relationship and average length of sexual maturity (L50%) were estimated. The size of the fish varied between 244 and 455 mm in total length (LT). Females were more abundant (> 70%), large and heavy than males at both fishing sites. A reproductive pattern was identified with two annual peaks in BLP (March-June and October-November) and one in BM (April-August). A similar pattern of GSI, CF and HSI by sex was identified at both sites. The white mullet showed negative growth allometry, features of total spawning, synchronous gonadal development by groups and an L50% higher in females than males. It is recommended to readjust the closure period by fishing site and based on the L50% be cautious in the mesh size of the fishing nets.