Some Biological Aspects of Sea Bream (Acanthopagrus Latus) In Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq

Abstract

Acanthopagrus latus caught from Shatt Al-Arab river, then its growth pattern, age, length-weight relationship, condition factor, as well as reproduction were investigated. Samples were monthly collected from September 2020 to August 2021 by gill nets. Total length and wet weight were recorded, and fish were sexed by extracted gonads out of the body cavity and examined and weighted, and using scales to determine the age of the species. The total lengths of species ranging from 10.7 to 23.7 cm. The length-weight relationships of males and females together were estimated as W=0.016 L3.007 and exhibited isometric growth (b=3.007). Mean relative condition factor (Kn) was 1.09 and 1.34 for males and females respectively. The maximum age was four years according to the reading of scales. The growth equation (von Bertalanffy) represented as: [ Lt = 50.4(1-e-0.25(t+0.277)] using back calculated length. The growth performance index (Φ) was 2.56. The ratio of sex was 1:1.13 male to female. The peak of Gonadosomatic index (GSI) for both sexes was in March. The spawning period from March to May. The results generally showed that this species was slow growing relatively and had along live, which should be taken into account for sustainable management and exploitation to prevent excessive utilization in the studying area