Reproductive Biology of the Tiger Grouper in the Southern Gulf of Mexico

Abstract

AbstractDespite its commercial importance and high vulnerability to fishing impact, little is known about the reproductive biology of the Tiger Grouper Mycteroperca tigris, an aggregative spawner. We studied the key reproductive parameters of this species in the southern Gulf of Mexico, where the grouper fishery is generally in decline. The smallest mature female measured 31.4 cm FL, and length at which maturity was attained in 50% of females (L50) was 34.2 cm FL. Tiger Grouper are protogynous hermaphrodites, and the estimated length at which 50% of females had changed sex was 51.9 cm FL. Spawning season lasted from February to June, with a spawning peak observed in April. Most of the actively spawning females were collected 7–14 d after the full moon in April and May. Females exhibited continuous, asynchronous oocyte development and batch release of mature oocytes. During April–June, estimated spawning interval varied monthly from 1.8 to 4.3 d (mean = 2 d). Due to the species’ indeterminate fecundity, we estimated batch fecundity, which ranged from 84,119 to 1,032,578 oocytes (mean ± SE = 417,102 ± 34,826 oocytes). Conservation status of the Tiger Grouper in its distribution area is currently unclear. Based on the observed maximum sizes for both sexes and the size of sexual transition, the southern Gulf of Mexico Tiger Grouper population may be healthier than some Caribbean Sea populations. Current and potential measures for regulating this fishery resource in the southern Gulf of Mexico are discussed.