Reproductive Aspects of Areolate Grouper (Epinephelus areolatus, Forsskal, 1775) from the Saudi Coast of Arabian Gulf

Abstract

The increasing demand for fish and the declining supply anywhere in the world propelled aquaculture as an alternative source. In Saudi Arabia, despite the scarce resources, aquaculture production has been growing by volume and diversification of culture is taking place. The Areolate grouper, Epinephelus areolatus is one potential species, however, its full-cycle mariculture is not yet established. Thus, this study was conceptualized. The paper aimed to determine the reproductive aspects of E. areolatus from the Arabian Gulf. A total of 355 samples of E. areolatus collected over the 12-month sampling period revealed high proportions of females in the sample were observed throughout the year and in size class. Spawning individuals were found throughout the year, however, more pronounced during January to June. Males (29.3 cm, 358.44 g) were observed to be bigger and heavier than females (28.8 cm, 326.66 g). Minimum size observed at maturity was 27.0 and 19.1 cm for male and female, respectively. Female gonado-somatic index of 2.31 is highest during April which is an indication of peak spawning activity. The mean fecundity is 3,440,426 per spawn or 237,443 per gram of ovary for size class between 22.8 – 46.3 centimeters length and 196.84 – 1172.50 grams weight. The relationship between fecundity and the variables length, weight, eviscerated weight and gonad weight revealed positive correlations with p-value less than 0.0000 implying significant correlation among variables. Similarly, fecundity increases as gonado-somatic index increases. Despite the 20.77% variation in fecundity accounted to gonado-somatic index, significant relationship was observed at p-value of 0.0031.