This study has been done on Sparus aurata (Sparidae). Fish samples (297
individuals) were collected along the Syrian Coast from March 2012 to February 2014.
Total length (T) was 15 - 31 cm, and the total weight (W) was 53,1 - 410,34 g. The study
o
f gonado somatic index (GSI) showed that the reproduction period was between
November and February with a maturity peak in January (3.98±0.97)% for females ,and in
December (2.19±0.29)% for males. In addition, the length at the first sexual maturity was
(21.5 cm) and (22.5 cm) for males and females respectively. The results of the hepato
somatic index (HSI) was compatible with the surrounding environmental and physiological
changes which resulted from the change of sexual activity during the reproductive cycle.
Fecundity showed a wide range for a given length, there was a linear relationship between
the absolute fecundity and each of length groups and total weight. Relative fecundity was
(567896-849362) egg per 1kg body weight. The frequency distribution of eggs diameters
revealed the presence of one peak, and the eggs diameter during the reproduction period
ranged from 0.05 to 0.3mm.
