Morphological and Histological Study of the Gonads Maturation Stages in the Chub Mackerel Scomber japonicus (Houttuyn, 1782) in the Coastal Water of Latakia


Abstract in English

This study was carried out on /516/ fish individuals of Chub Mackerel Scomber japonicus (Houttuyn, 1782), which were caught from the Coastal water of Latakia province (Levantine basin) from December 2014 to November 2015, to identify the evolution stages of sexual maturity (by morphological and histological methods) and determine the spawning period of this important economic species. The results showed that Scomber japonicus begin with sexual maturity from the beginning of February and extend until mid-May, with a single peak in Mars. The average value of the gonado-somatic index (GSI) was (12.46 ± 1.52)% for males and (13.21 ± 3.9)% for female in Mars. And the total body length at sexual maturity was (21.5) cm for males, and was (23.5) cm for females. The development stages and gonad maturation in this specie, are similar with regard to the tissue and the form of gonads and according to the six gonad maturation steps.

References used

Atli, M. (1960). Further information on the biology of the Scomber colias (Gmelin). Rapp. Et. P.V. des Reunions. 15: 395–407
Baird, D. (1977). Age, growth and aspects of reproduction of mackerel, Scomber japonicus in South African waters (Pisces:Scombridae). Zool. Afr., 12: 347–362
Ben-Tuvia, A. (1957). Pelagic fisheries in Israel. Proc. Gen. Fish. Coun. Médit. 4: 383–391

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