Abstract
The reproductive characteristics and stomach contents of the filefish Stephanolepis diaspros were investigated in the Gulf of Suez during the period from 2004 to 2007. The overall sex ratio of males to females was estimated as1.00: 0.18, where females were represented in small sizes (8.0- 16.0 cm), while males largely outnumber females up to the length interval of 16.0- 26.0 cm. The monthly average values of gonad weight percentages and monthly different maturity stages showed that the species spawns during summer with intensive spawning in May. The length at first sexual maturity was estimated at 9.5 cm for males and 8.5 cm for females. The diet of file fish consisted of a wide variety of items, dominated by crustaceans and mollusks. Algae, echinoderms, coelenterates and fish remains were also demonstrated in the stomachs. Sponges, hydrozoans, foraminifera and Bryozoa were also preyed by the file fish. The maximum feeding intensity was attained in spring, while the minimum was observed during summer (June to September).
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