Age, growth and reproduction of the black sea bream Spondyliosoma cantharus (Linnaeus, ) (Sparidae) in the Gulf of Annaba (Algeria)

• DOI: 10.1111/jai.12714
• Publication Date: 2015-03-24T17:15:45Z
• Authors: N. Boughamou; F. Derbal; M. H. Kara
• Keywords: Sexual maturity; Sparidae; Hermaphrodite

The objective of this study was to determine the basic population-specific parameters necessary for fish stock assessment in Gulf Annaba and compare these with data from other Mediterranean regions. Black sea bream Spondyliosoma cantharus (Linnaeus, 1758) (N = 501) were collected monthly January December 2008 along Algerian eastern coasts. More than 22 each month ranged size 13.4 40 cm total length, weighing 36 1080 g eviscerated weight. Biological sampling included measuring fish, gonad weighing, sex maturity stage determination, age estimation through otolith readings. Validity readings estimating growth supported using back-calculation method. Estimated von Bertalanffy model are: L∞ 33.54 cm, W∞ 633.46 g, k 0.52 year−1 −0.04 year. performance index (φ) is: 2.76. length-weight relationship EW 4.4.10−6 TL3.23. spawning period occurred February May, while gamete emission peaked April. Females reached sexual at 19.3 (2 years) males 21.3 (3 years). Sexual inversion occurs approximately 24.3 cm. characterized as being a protogynic hermaphrodite.