Reproductive biology of the two commercially important grouper species Epinephelus summana and E. polyphekadion in the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

Groupers have a high contribution to the coral reef community structure and balance. Various aspects of the reproductive biology of the two commercially species Epinephelus summana and Epinephelus polyphekadion were investigated for the first time in the Red Sea. A total of 246 individuals (125 E. summana and 121 E. polyphekadion) were collected from different landing sites on the Egyptian Red Sea from 2017 to 2019. Results showed that females outnumbered males in both species as the overall sex ratios (males: females) were 1:1.2 and 1:1.3 for E. summana and E. polyphekadion respectively. The size structure of E. summana and the presence of bisexual individual (34 cm. TL) provide strong evidence that this species is a protogynous hermaphrodite. For the camouflage grouper, no evidence was obtained to confirm hermaphroditism. Seasonal variations in gonado-somatic index revealed that the spawning occurred during April and May for E. summana and during May and June for E. polyphekadion. Lengths at first maturity (Lm50) for male and female of E. summana were 23.0 and 23.5cm, respectively. However, Lm50 for male and female E. polyphekadion were 27.1 cm and 28.8cm, respectively. Some of the spawning aggregation sites along the Egyptian Red Sea coast were identified by using information from experienced fishers. Both species were characterized by high fecundity. This study concluded that the results of the life history characteristics of these species are considered as good data, will add to the requirements of managing the exploitation of these valuable resources.

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Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries
Volume 25, Issue 1 - Serial Number 1
January and February 2021
Pages 665-679

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