Aspects of the reproduction ofMugil curemaValenciennes, 1836 in two coastal systems in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

This study aims at studying the reproductive aspects of Mugil curema in two coastal systems in southeastern Brazil. Samplings were carried out from March 2009 to February 2010 in Santos estuary and from May 2008 to April 2009 in the Cananeia-Iguape coastal system, using gillnet, cast net, and fish trap. Weight and total length were measured and, subsequently, gonads were removed and weighed. Permanent preparations on the ovaries were carried out. The sexual proportion, first gonadal maturation length (L 50), and the quantitative indicators (gonadosomatic index and ΔK) were estimated for all seasons of the year. There was a significant predominance of females (1:2.4) in both areas, and L 50 was estimated at 248.6 mm. The species showed a synchronous oocyte development and the highest values of quantitative indicators were observed at the start and end of the rainy season. The mean potential and relative fecundity of the species was estimated at 350,430 oocytes and 926.46 oocytes/g, respectively, for indivi...