Reproductive Cycle, Sexual Maturity and Fecundity of Mullus barbatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Abstract
The study aims to determine the reproductive biology and 50% maturity length of red
mullet (M. barbatus) by taking monthly samples in the Black Sea between October 2017 and
September 2018. The difference in the sex ratio of the samples (female: 936, male: 454) was
found to be significant. It was understood that the results of the methods used to determine the
reproductive period (GSI, macroscopic analysis of gonads, microscopic analysis of gonads) were
compatible with each other. The reproduction period of red mullet was between April and August
in the Black Sea, but spawning occurred between May and August according to the histological
method. Considering the oocyte structures and oocyte diameter distributions in the histological
sections, it was observed that the red mullet in the Black Sea was a multiple spawner and had an
indeterminate fecundity. Mean and standard deviation of batch fecundity (FB) and mean relative
fecundity (FR) of red mullet during the spawning period were calculated as 4813.0±5324.0 and
124.6±124.1 g-1, respectively. The maturity sizes of females and males were 12.40 cm and 11.29
cm, respectively. To ensure the sustainability of red mullet stocks in the Black Sea, a new
management plan should be established that takes into account spawning periods, reproductive
strategies, and sizes at maturity.
Keywords
Mullus barbatus , reproductive biology , maturity length (Lm50) , Black Sea
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