Cm In Total Length Research Articles

On the biology of the alien Red Sea goatfish, Parupeneus forsskali (Fourmanoir & Guézé, 1976) in the Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean

ABSTRACT The alien Red Sea goatfish (Parupeneus forsskali) was recently reported in the Mediterranean Sea, as a species that migrated two decades ago through the Suez Canal. In this work, efforts are being made to fill knowledge gaps on its biology, through information based on 131 Red Sea goatfish specimens collected from commercial fishing vessels in the south-eastern coasts of the Aegean Sea, Greece (Eastern Mediterranean). The largest specimen examined measured 26 cm in total length (Lmax), while otolith annual ring determination showed that the maximum recorded age was 4 years. The Von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were estimated as follows: L∞ = 32.44 cm, Κ = 0.31 y−1 and t0 = −0.08 y. The diet of the specimens was dominated by Decapoda and Amphipoda (IRI = 66%) with an estimated trophic level of 3.58 (±0.53), characterizing the species as carnivorous with preference for Crustacea prey. Length (Lm) and age (tm) at maturity were estimated to be 19.6 cm and 2.8 years, respectively. The species exhibited larger reproductive load (Lm/Lmax) in the non-native regions compared with its native distribution in the non-native regions compared with its native distribution. In conclusion, further research is required in order to elucidate differences of the species’ life-history traits between its native and non-native distribution.

Investigating the Mesh Size Selectivity of Olive Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) Gillnets for Fisheries Resource Management in the East Sea

This study aimed to evaluate the mesh selectivity of gillnets used in olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) fishing by examining the distribution of total length (TL) across various mesh sizes. A marine fishing experiment was conducted at Gajin Harbor in Goseong County, Gangwon Province, employing experimental gear with four different mesh sizes: 90, 105, 135, and 150 mm. Mesh selectivity analysis involved a comparative assessment of selectivity curve methods through normal, log-normal, and bi-normal functions. Among these, the bi-normal function demonstrated the best fit for estimating the mesh selectivity curve within the SELECT model. The critical finding was the net size at which 50% of the minimum landing size (35 cm in TL) of olive flounder was selected, ranging from 108.7 to 121.1 mm. According to the bi-normal function curve, this size was estimated as 114.0 mm. Our findings indicate that using a mesh size larger than the theoretically estimated size in mesh selectivity analysis can further decrease the catch of immature individuals. These findings provide essential data for devising strategies to efficiently utilize and manage olive flounder resources.

Reproductive biology of the mackerel scad, Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833), in the Sulawesi Sea, Indonesia

Indonesia is the second largest fishery producer in the world, producing many small pelagic fish. To improve information for sustainable fishery management in the Sulawesi Sea, we examined the reproductive biology of the main target species, the mackerel scad Decapterus macarellus (Cuvier, 1833). Between May 2020 and March 2021, we collected 1267 mackerel scads from two landing sites in northern Sulawesi. These fish ranged from 13.4 to 38.2 cm in total length, and their sex ratio, length at first maturity (Lm), reproductive periodicity, and potential spawning grounds were studied. An equal male to female (M:F) sex ratio of 0.98:1.00 was osberved. The lengths of males and females at first maturity (Lm) were 22.59 and 21.62 cm, respectively. The mackerel scads spawned throughout the year, peaking in January, March, May, and September. Spawning occurs mainly during the first quarter of the moon’s phase. Most mature individuals with a high gonadosomatic index were found near Tumumpa Dua and the northern and western coasts of the Sangihe and Siau Islands, suggesting that there are specific locations where mackerel scads spawn. Fishery managers can use this information to implement temporary and regional fishing closures to develop sustainable fishing practices for small pelagic fish species.

Reproductive aspects of European hake, (Merluccius merluccius, Linnaeus, 1758) based on histological depiction of both sexes in the Eastern Mediterranean (Aegean Sea)

Despite European hake’s (Merluccius merluccius) economic and ecological significance, there are still significant gaps in our knowledge. The present study updates some aspects of European hake’s reproductive biology and for the first time microscopically showcases all reproductive stages for both sexes from the Aegean Sea (Eastern Mediterranean), which were sampled using commercial bottom trawls between May 2021 and October of 2022. The reproductive cycle of 861 individuals (413 males and 448 females) was assessed, with gonad-somatic index (GSI) exhibiting a seasonal cycle peaking in late spring (May) and attaining lowest values in late summer (August). A highly significant seasonal and sex effect and their interaction on the GSI was further exhibited. The oocyte diameter frequency distribution of the different maturity stages exhibited significant size differences between the juvenile virgin stages (I and II) and adult immature and maturing stages (III, IV and V), due to the presence of cortical alveolar oocytes. Male to female ratio for the entire population was not significantly in favor of females (0.92:1), however sex ratio exhibited a significant male prevalence in smaller sizes (less than 30 cm in total length) and a female prevalence in larger sizes. Females reached the onset of sexual maturity (L50) at higher sizes (38.93 cm) compared to males (29.44 cm) with onset of sexual maturity for both sexes reached at significantly higher length compared to other published Mediterranean studies.

Ontogenetic habitat shift of Anguilla marmorata and A. japonica in the rivers of southern Japan: Implications for habitat use evaluation and conservation

Abstract Understanding the habitat requirements of fishes throughout their life cycle is essential for effective conservation. Despite the growing need to conserve anguillid eels, the current understanding of the ontogenetic habitat shifts during their riverine stages remains limited, particularly for the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica and the Indo‐Pacific eel Anguilla marmorata. Here, changes in habitat use during the riverine stages of these two eel species were investigated in the southern Japan rivers, where they coexist. Eels were classified into total length (TL) classes at 10 cm intervals, and generalized additive models were constructed using these classes as an ordinal, quasi‐continuous explanatory variable. The models showed that the habitat use of the two species changed with growth; both species shifted to deeper and more lentic habitats as they grew larger. Small‐ and mid‐sized (<25 and 25–55 cm in TL, respectively) A. japonica used more lentic habitats with smaller substrates, ranging from sand/silt to cobbles, than small‐ and mid‐sized A. marmorata, which mainly used lotic habitats with cobble and boulder substrates. However, compared with small‐sized conspecifics, mid‐sized A. japonica mainly used habitats with larger substrates, such as pebbles and cobbles, suggesting that the interspecific overlap in habitat use is relatively high for mid‐sized individuals of both species. Large A. marmorata ( 85 cm) mainly used habitats with smaller substrates as they grew larger. The results suggest that using a fine body size classification and including these classes as a quasi‐continuous explanatory variable in habitat models capture gradual changes in habitat use, improving habitat use evaluation of anguillid eels. Preserving the environmental heterogeneity of river habitats in terms of water depth, current velocity and substrate size would facilitate habitat segregation of both conspecifics and allospecifics in the same rivers, thereby promoting the conservation of anguillid eels.

OCCURRENCE OF IMMATURE SHARKS IN ARTISANAL FISHERIES OF THE SOUTHERN GULF OF MEXICO

A common feature of Mexican artisanal fisheries is the high proportion of immature sharks in catches. Immature sharks have been historically caught in the southern Gulf of Mexico; however, there is a lack of catch rate estimates. Fishery-dependent sampling in the states of Tabasco (2007-2010 and 2012-2014) and Campeche (2011-2014) was conducted to estimate catch rates of immature sharks of large shark species (species reaching > 150 cm of total length). The catch rate of the 12 recorded species was < 1 shark/fishing day. Immature individuals accounted for a high percentage of the sharks caught in Tabasco (94.5%) and Campeche (90%). We suggest the coast of both states is a juvenile shark habitat for the 12 species. Sharks with predominantly coastal habitats are probably more vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts in the study area, including artisanal fisheries, the oil industry, and coastal development.Keywords: shark nurseries, juvenile shark habitat, fishery management, Campeche Bank.

Reproductive biology and condition factor of the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) in Lake Koka, Ethiopia

The study was conducted to investigate the breeding season, sex ratio, size at maturation, fecundity and condition factor of African catfish Clarias gariepinus in Lake Koka. A total of 754 fish specimens were collected from October 2020 to August 2021. Total length and weight were measured and sexes were identified and gonad maturity levels were recorded. The sex ratio of African catfish in different size classes was similar to that of a hypothetical 1:1 ratio. The length at first maturity (L50) was 51.8 cm in total length. The mean Fulton’s condition factor of female African catfish ranged from 0.65 ± 0.05 – 0.71 ± 0.14, while the males ranged from 0.62 ± 0.04 – 0.7 ± 0.11. The Fulton’s condition factor was significantly higher in August for females than in the rest of the sampling months. The highest ripe gonads were recorded in the rainy season and the lowest was in the dry season, with the percentage of ripe gonads being 27.5%, while the males showed similarly extended maturity patterns among seasons. Fisheries management for African catfish should therefore take into account the estimated L50 value and the main breeding season to sustain the fishery and benefits the fishermen.

Age and growth of the Acoupa Weakfish (Cynoscion acoupa) of the Brazilian Amazonian Coast, through micro and macrostructures in otoliths

The aim of the present study was to estimate age and growth of Cynoscion acoupa, using micro and macrostructures in otoliths and length frequency, in a sample of 255 specimens (13–107 cm in total length - TL) collected on the coast of the Maranhão State between 2007 and 2008. Validation of microstructures using alizarin dyes demonstrated daily deposition of microstructures whereas macrostructures were validated as annual according to monthly marginal increment analysis. A zone of daily microstructures from the core was observed in the otolith until 328 days (0.87 year) and after this zone, the first annual macrostructure was formed. There were no significant differences between growth of males and females using the von Bertalanffy model (VBGM), resulting in k = 0.13, L∞ = 142.95 cm TL and t0 = −0.45 year, with ages ranged from 0.3 to 10.2 years. The growth coefficient estimated by LFA was very high (k = 0.28). The results indicated that C. acoupa from the coast of Maranhão has a slow to moderate growth and high longevity, being able to exceed 14 years. Therefore, these parameters are important to understand the population dynamics, and should be considered to define management measures for C. acoupa.

Reproductive biology of the crocodile shark, Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, in the Ecuadorian Pacific Ocean

The crocodile shark, Pseudocarcharias kamoharai, is frequently caught by the artisanal fleet of Ecuador. However, updated official records concerning its landings and knowledge regarding its reproductive biology and ecological traits are scarce in the Tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the reproductive biology of P. kamoharai and determine the capture composition of immature and mature individuals in Santa Rosa, Ecuador. Samples were collected from June 2012–May 2013 and June 2017–May 2018. 408 sharks were collected including 202 females ranging from 50 to 117 cm in total length (TL), and 206 males ranging from 72.5 to 110 cm TL. The sex ratio in adults was 1F:1M, similar to the fetus’s ratio of 0.9F:1M. Histotrophy in the uteri of mature females was recorded for the first time. Size at maturity (L50) was estimated at 91.2 cm TL for females; hence, 88% (n = 177) were mature. While for males, L50=84.8 cm TL; thus, 84% (n = 174) were mature. Gravid females were observed from February to November, and fetuses had different sizes without a growing trend pattern. Thus, gestation and time of birth could not be defined. Size at birth was 45.5 cm TL and fecundity was four fetuses per litter, two for each uterus. In conclusion, this species is susceptible to overfishing due to its low biological productivity. The information generated in this study supports creating a fishery management plan for future conservation.

Populations of long-clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus: Effect of commercial fishing on the size and age structure

Fishing affects the population of crayfish, while it changes the size and age characteristics. The size and age parameters of two populations of the narrow-clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus in the Loktyshi (Brest Region) and Krasnoslobodskoe (Minsk Region) reservoirs in Belarus have been compared. The Krasnoslobodskoye reservoir is intensively exploited with an annual catch of 3–4 tons of crayfish. There is no commercial fishing in the Loktyshi reservoir. Studies show that the average size of individuals in an intensively exploited population is smaller in comparison with a population where there is no commercial fishing for crayfish. Since crayfish fishing is regulated by a commercial measure (10.5 cm of total length) in intensively exploited populations, the average sizes of individuals are close to these limiting values. The life expectancy of crayfish is somewhat higher in the Loktyshi reservoir, where only amateur crayfish fishing is noted. Intensive fishing increases the mortality of females, whose annual survival rate is 37 %, while in the absence of fishing, the survival of females increases up to 57 %. The annual survival rate of males is 41–49 %. The fishing pressure leads to decrease in the survival rate of individuals and disappearance of crayfish aged 9–10 years from the population.

Estimation of Population Parameters of Glossogobius giuris in the Rabnabad Channel, Southern Bangladesh: Implications for Sustainable Management

The tank goby Glossogobius giuris is a commercially important dominant fish species in the Rabnabad Channel in southern Bangladesh. However, information on the population parameters of this species is not available to support its sustainable management. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to estimate the population parameters to understand both the current status and yield, and to suggest sustainable management measures for this species, using monthly samples collected from September 2021 to August 2022. Our results showed that the size of this species at first sexual maturity was 8.5 cm in total length (TL). The gonadosomatic index indicated a prolonged spawning season, with three peaks in January–February (minor peak), April–May (minor peak), and August–November (major peak). Recruitment occurred at ~8.2 cm TL for an extended period of the year with three pulses in March (major pulse), May–June (minor pulse), and December (minor pulse). The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were TL∞ = 25.0 cm and K = 1.10 year−1. The growth performance index and longevity were 2.84 and 2.7 years, respectively. The estimated fishing, natural, and total mortalities were 0.42, 2.00, and 2.42 year−1, respectively. Therefore, the exploitation rate was 0.17, and the maximum sustainable yield was 0.37, indicating that the stock of G. giuris was not subjected to overexploitation. Hence, management intervention is not needed at this moment. Rather, a substantial amount of fishing pressure could be increased to obtain the maximum benefit.

A Synthesis of the Ecology and Conservation of Pseudoplatystoma Catfishes in the Neotropics

Species of the genus Pseudoplatystoma, the long-whiskered catfishes, are important in commercial and recreational fisheries in South America, and some species have become key to regional aquaculture. Some species of the genus are under pressure due to overfishing and the negative impacts of dams. Six questions are asked in this review: (i) What species are in the genus, and where are they distributed? (ii) What are the life histories and ecologies of Pseudoplatystoma species? (iii) What are the patterns of somatic growth for these species? (iv) What is known about the biomass, production, and population dynamics of Pseudoplatystoma? (v) What is the geographic distribution of genetic variation within Pseudoplatystoma species? (vi) What are the threats to the conservation of these species? The taxonomy of the genus currently includes eight species, respectively, distributed over the Orinoco, Amazon, Paraná, and São Francisco basins. Pseudoplatystoma catfishes typically exhibit longitudinal migrations for reproduction and lateral migration for feeding, but these patterns may vary among populations. The size of the first maturation of these catfishes varies between 57 cm to 82 cm in total length. Five of the eight species spawn during the rising water season. Pseudoplatystoma species can grow to about 130 cm in total length and 100 Kg in weight and live until 30 years of age, depending upon the species. Biomass production and population dynamics of these catfishes have not yet been fully described. Their life-history characteristics indicate that they are periodic strategists with associated population recruitment dynamics. Population genetic patterning varies among Pseudoplatystoma species, with some degree of homing behavior and genetic differentiation among populations, indicating the need for management by applying the Management Unit and perhaps Evolutionary Significant Unit concepts. The main threats to the persistence of these catfishes are overfishing and alterations in and obstruction of river flow due to the construction of hydropower dams. After synthesizing existing information on species of the genus Pseudoplatystoma, we offer suggestions for future research to fill critical gaps in the knowledge of this group.

Allometric Growth of the Enigmatic Deep-Sea Megamouth Shark Megachasma pelagios Taylor, Compagno, and Struhsaker, 1983 (Lamniformes, Megachasmidae)

Megamouth sharks Megachasma pelagios Taylor, Compagno, and Struhsaker, 1983, are a large-bodied, planktivorous, deep-sea species with peculiar morphology. Since their initial description in the late 20th century, many individuals of different sizes have been reported, but few studies examined ontogenetic changes in body shapes. Here, we assess the growth changes in their heads and fins based on length measurements from nine different-sized individuals (177–544 cm in total length). Bivariate analyses showed that the head becomes larger relative to body length with increasing body size (i.e., positive allometry), whereas the relative size of the caudal fin remains constant (i.e., isometric growth). This trend differs from basking sharks and apparently resembles whale sharks and some baleen whales, although they are all large-bodied filter feeders. Given that relative mouth size is linked to feeding modes, our results suggest that megamouth sharks have different feeding modes from ram-feeding basking sharks and may have some similarity with suction-feeding whale sharks and engulfment-feeding baleen whales.

Prey contribution to the diet of pink cusk-eel Genypterus blacodes (Forster, 1801) revealed by stomach content and stable isotopic analyses in the southwestern Atlantic

This paper studied the diet of the pink cusk-eel Genypterus blacodes, using a combination of stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) and stomach content analyses, from specimens captured during eight scientific trawl surveys carried out from 37°S to 53.3°S, and from 65 to 390 m depth. A total of 1615 specimens were analyzed, from which 795 (49.22 %) that ranged from 15 to 114 cm in total length (TL), contained prey. The pink cusk-eel fed mainly on fish and crustaceans. Among fishes, the most important were the notothenioid Patagonotothen ramsayi and the Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi. The most important crustaceans consumed were the lobster krill Munida gregaria, isopods (Cirolana spp., Serolidae), stomatopods (Pterygosquilla armata) and gammarid amphipods. Ontogenetic diet shifts were detected with the TL, with an increase consumption of fish and a decrease consumption of crustaceans. Moreover, there were changes in the diet associated with depth and region. The isotopic structure of the food chain showed the classic enrichment with trophic level increase. While the stomach contents analysis in a subregion indicated that crustaceans were the predominant prey, followed by cephalopods and fish, Bayesian mixing models showed differential assimilation to pink cusk-eel muscle, with fish as the main assimilated prey and a relatively minimal inputs of crustaceans and cephalopods. Clear distinctions between the pelagic and benthic baselines were detected, with pink cusk-eel participating in both benthic and pelagic pathways. The pink cusk-eel occupied the role of top predator in the Southwestern Atlantic ecosystem (trophic level ∼4) and the δ15N did not exhibit changes with respect to an analyzed specimen of the year 1962.

The rare occurrence of the shore rockling Gaidropsarus mediterraneus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Osteichthyes: Gadiformes), in the South-Eastern Mediterranean, Turkey

On 26 October 2021, one specimen of shore rockling Gaidropsarus mediterraneus (Linnaeus, 1758) was captured from Konacik, Iskenderun Bay (Southeastern Mediterranean, Turkey) with a commercial trawler at a depth of 50 m. The specimen measured 27.5 cm in total length and weighed 114.8 g. The present paper reports the rare occurrence of this species in Iskenderun Bay, Turkey (southeastern Mediterranean Sea). All measurements, counts, and color descriptions of G. mediterraneus agree with previous descriptions. The present study discusses its conservation in the area and the Mediterranean Sea.

Re-estimation of juvenile's Isurus oxyrinchus growth in the Mexican Pacific through a multi-model inference approach and verification of growth band periodicity.

An update of the age and growth for juveniles of shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) from the Mexican Pacific is presented, based on the analysis of growth band counts from dorsal vertebrae of 198 individuals (110 females 74-231 cm of total length, TL, and 88 males 72-231 cm TL) caught during 2008-2018. New available information on vertebral growth band periodicity (biannual deposition in juveniles) and the convenience of using vertebrae form the dorsal region over cervical region to count growth bands, as well as a multi-model approach, were used. The von Bertalanffy growth model (VB), Gompertz, logistic and the two parameters of VB were fitted to the length-at-age. Only the ages ≤ 6 years were used for the fitting of the models and their performance was compared with the small-sample bias-corrected form of Akaike information criterion (AICc), their differences and weights . Following a multi-model inference approach, the model averaged asymptotic length , length-at-age 0 and their unconditional standard error , were estimated for each sex scenario using the 3-parameters version of each model.The precision of growth band counts was acceptable for the different methods used and by two different readers. The Centrum edge analysis (CEA) and marginal increment analysis (MIA) did not support the hypothesis of biannual band pair formation for juveniles, likewise for adults the periodicity could not be verified due to the low sample of large animals. Still, age was estimated assuming the formation of two pairs of growth bands per year during the first five years of age and one pair of bands per year afterwards considering direct validation information. The estimated ages ranged from 0-14 for females and 0-6 for males. The Kimura's likelihood ratio test showed no differences in the growth curves of juveniles by sex (P>0.05). According to the AICc, the 2-VB better fitted the length-at-age data for sex combined (Linf = 386.4 cm, k = 0.12 yr-1 , L0 = 70 cm). The model averaged and were 378.3 cm ( = 64.5) and 69.5 cm = 6.3) respectively. The growth parameters determined for juveniles of I. oxyrinchus are similar with those estimated in other regions, showing relatively fast growth rate as previously reported, medium longevity in comparison to other shark species and natural mortality close to those reported in the last stock assessment for the North Pacific Ocean. These life-history parameters should be considered to evaluate the population in the region to develop better fishery management and conservation measures.

Riverine distribution and abundance of Japanese eel in Shikoku, south‐western Japan: Varying importance of regional and local factors

Abstract Regional and local habitat factors affecting the distribution and abundance of Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) were systematically analysed in 123 reaches of 21 stream systems in south‐western Japan, with particular attention paid to human habitat modification, such as artificial barriers and concrete revetment. The density of Japanese eel decreased upstream, and they were absent from the upper reaches of each stream system. The upper limits of their distribution were explained by the distance from the sea and the channel gradient, rather than barriers. However, the number of barriers had the highest explanatory capacity for the upstream decline in abundance of small eels (<40 cm in total length). Analyses of the relative importance of regional and local habitat factors showed that the number of barriers (regional factor) was more important than local habitat factors in determining small eel abundance, whereas regional and local habitat factors (e.g. concrete revetment or cover habitat) were similarly important for large eel abundance. These results suggest that: (i) barriers are not a major factor limiting the distribution (presence/absence) of the Japanese eel in the streams studied; (ii) barriers can substantially decrease the abundance of young eels; and (iii) as eels grow older and larger, local habitat factors, such as bank conditions and cover, become more important in determining their abundance. The results for the relative importance of regional and local habitat factors suggest that in habitat restoration for the Japanese eel, priority should be given to mitigating barrier effects. The improvement of longitudinal connectivity to facilitate colonization by young eels is primarily needed for a more efficient use of the existing carrying capacity of streams. The improvement of local habitat conditions to increase the carrying capacity should be conducted in stream reaches free from barrier effects.

A New Maximum Size Record of Striped Red Mullet Mullus surmuletus Linnaeus, 1758 From the Coast off Benghazi, Libya (Southern Mediterranean)

A specimen of Mullus surmuletus with 33.6 cm in total length and 398.3 g in total weight was captured with trammel nets along with other Striped red mullet fish by fisherman off the coast of Benghazi, Libya (Southern Mediterranean) on November 14, 2022. It had the longest length and heaviest weight ever recorded for a Striped red mullet in the Southern Mediterranean off the coast of Libya.

New record of Hexanchus griseus in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea with insights into its biology and feeding ecology

On 15 March 2021, a male Hexanchus griseus was incidentally captured by a commercial bottom trawler at 550-730 m depth in the Gulf of Valencia (Spain). The specimen measured 251.8 cm in total length, weighed 86.2 kg and its reproductive system was fully developed, characterizing it as the smallest mature male bluntnose sixgill shark recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. The specimen hosted the ectoparasitic copepod Demoleus heptapus. Remains of a Stenella coeruleoalba calf were identified in its stomach content by applying molecular methods. The feeding behaviour of H. griseus as either actively preying on live cetaceans or as scavenging on carcasses is reviewed and discussed to better understand the species’ role in marine food webs.

Chemical Composition of <i>Sphyraena barracuda</i> with Different Area, Size and Season, in Sudanese Red Sea Coast

This study aims to determine the effect of area, size and season on chemical composition of Sphyraena barracuda from Sudanese Red Sea Coast. A total of 180 fish samples were collected from Port Sudan and Sawakin fishing sites during the winter and summer of 2020-2021. The fishes sample ranged between (30 - 50) cm in total length and (250 - 1000) gm in body weight of small size, and ranged between (60 - 90) cm in total length and (1250 - 250) gm in body weight for large size. Fish flesh was subject to gross chemical analysis. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, acidity and pH were determined. The results indicated a significant effect by area, season and size. The different areas had a significant effect on crude protein and ash; higher parameter value is found in Sawakin. Higher chemical parameters were showed in winter than in summer. Also, size had a significant effect in all parameters (except moisture), fat and ash were high in large size. The study has concluded that the large size fishes of S. barracuda with high nutritional value when caught in winter from the southern region of Sawakin.