Some biological aspects of 9 fish species from the Mediterranean coast, North Sinai, Egypt, with special reference to Grey mullet, Mugil cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758)

        Evaluating the recent status of 9 fish species; with a detailed review of Grey mullet; from the Mediterranean coast of North Sinai and exploring the impact of fishing practices on them, is the main objective of the present study. Fish Samples were collected by four major fishing gears in the study area. Concerning length-weight relationship, Euthynnus affine, Diplodus sargus, and Dicentrarchuslabrax shows an isometric growth pattern, where the values of dependence length upon weight (b) were equal or closed to 3. The other six species exhibit an allometric growth pattern (either positive or negative), where (b) values ranged between 2.3 and 3.5. Fully studied species were found to be in good conditions, where the values of condition factor (K) were noticed to be around “1” and ranged from 0.8 to 1.23.  Length at first capture (L_c) values according to length at first maturity (L_m), confirmed the occurrence of overfishing for many species, where they have been caught at a size less than or approximately equal to the size at first maturation. Concerning Mugil cephalus, Sex ratio was 1:1.77 for males and females respectively. Gonado-Somatic Index (GSI) values revealed that M. cephalus has a long spawning season extending from August to December with one peak in September and October for males and females respectively.  The current status suggests a future decline in production and fish stocks. Immediate adjustments to fishing laws and strict enforcement, with a suitable minimum catch size of each species, is a goal to be achieved.