Pagellus Bellottii Research Articles

Reproductive Biology of Red Pandora (Pagellus bellottii Steindachner, 1882) from the Coast of Ghana and Implications for Management

A total of 933 samples of Pagellus bellottii were obtained from the coast of Ghana between January and December 2019, from commercial catches to determine the sex ratio, maturity stages, spawning period, and length at first maturity. The male to female ratio was 1.39:1. July and May were the main spawning peaks for female individuals of the assessed fish species. Two spawning periods were observed with a minor spawning period from November to January and major spawning from March to September. Female individuals matured slightly earlier than male individuals at 20 cm and 20.8 cm respectively. The results of this study could help to revise the existing minimum capture size of Red Pandora in Ghana.

Identification of critical essential habitat for demersal fish in the Gulf of Guinea

Habitats of three marine fish species of major interest (Epinephelus aeneus, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, and Pagellus bellottii) at both juvenile and adult life stages were identified and mapped in the western part of the Gulf of Guinea. Habitat suitability models (HSMs) were designed to quantify species- and stage-specific fish densities from scientific survey data collected for the last 40 years according to two environmental descriptors (bathymetry, distance to river mouth) and accounting for temporal contrasts. Delta general linear models were selected to fit with the 0-inflated distribution of the fish density data. Despite their high residual deviance, both the prediction accuracy and robustness of these HSMs were satisfactory. HSMs showed a strong influence of bathymetry on stage-specific fish distribution and a lower and non systematic influence of proximity to river mouths. The spatial distribution of juveniles of E. aeneus and P. senegalensis evidenced their concentration in shallow coastal nurseries. The adults of P. senegalensis were also located in nearshore habitats under estuarine influence, whereas adults of E. aeneus were spread towards deeper waters. P. bellottii did not rely on coastal fringes at juvenile or adult stages. Finally, model outputs showed a decrease in abundance in recent decades for all species at both life stages. These HSMs and maps reveal the importance of the coastal fringe as a critical essential habitat for two of the three studied species and the usefulness of space-based management measures to maintain populations and ensure sustainable fishing exploitation.

Determination of Zn, Fe, Cr and Cu in Marine Fish Commonly Consumed in Senegal

The content of four heavy metals (zinc, iron, chromium and copper) in muscles, liver and gonads has been studied for the five most consumed fish species (Cephalopholus taeniops, Scomber japonicus, Lagocephalus laevigatus, Pagellus bellottii and Pagrus caeruleostictus) in the Soumbedioune region. The samples were digested by acid digestion. The metal contents were quantified using a PF-11 type photometer. The results obtained show that metals such as zinc, iron and chromium are significantly higher (p <0.05) in the muscles of the four species than in the liver and gonads. However, the levels of heavy metals in the muscles, liver, and gonads of the five species are above the acceptable limit recommended by the FAO and WHO, with the exception of the copper levels in the gonads of the species Pagellus bellottii.

Pagellus genus catches time series in the FAO Major Fishing Areas 27 and 34: Analysis of fishery behaviour

Based on, catch reconstructed data, we constructed the fisheries of the Pagellus genus between 1950 and 2014 in FAO Major Fishing Areas 27 and 34 and overall by continent and by species, namely, Pagellus acarne, Pagellus bellottii, Pagellus bogaraveo and Pagellus erythrinus. Additionally, we considered the group Pagellus sp. to include species identified to the genus level only. Regression of estimates of linear time trends, change point analysis and autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models revealed significant variations and historical changes in catch time series, the trend being a primarily downward with a progressive increase in the intensity of fishing pressure on the populations of this genus. This situation may be attributable to regulatory and technological transitions and environmental variability, as well as the biology of the species. For this reason, the results of this multi-species study may be useful, in guiding changes for more management and more sustainable fisheries, helping to achieve proper governance of this resource.

Growth, Mortality and Exploitation Rate of Pagellus bellottii Harvested from the Marine Territorial Waters of Sierra Leone

The study investigated growth, mortality and exploitation rate of Pagellus bellottii collected off Sierra Leone, aimed to support efficient management of its stock. A total of 8, 216 specimens of Pagellus bellottii were collected at random from January-November, 2016 on-board a demersal trawler. Data analysis employed methods implemented in the computerized FiSAT II software using pooled length-frequencies in constant class size. Growth parameters gave asymptotic length (L∞ = 33.63cm), growth rate (K = 0.63yr-1), growth performance index (ɸ = 2.85), theoretical age (to = -0.6years) and life-span (tmax = 5.50years) whereas the length (Lm50) and age (tm50) at first maturity were estimated as 22.40 cm and 2.30years respectively. Besides, the current fishing mortality rate (F = 6.58yr-1) exceeded the optimum (Fopt = 0.50yr-1), limiting (Flimit = 0.81yr-1) and natural (M = 1.22yr-1) mortality rates, and the current exploitation rate (Ecurrent) was 0.84yr-1. Results depicted low life expectancy, fast growth and late first maturity (Lm50 = 33.4%, but < L∞) in Pagellus bellottii. Also, the stock of P. bellottii was overexploited (Ecurrent > 0.5), buttressed by the alarming current fishing mortality beyond optimal and permissible limits. This was very worrisome and the current exploitation rate should be reduced to 0.5yr-1 (40.5%) and fishing mortality rate to 0.5yr-1 (92.4%) in order to achieve at least optimal level of exploitation (Ecurrent = 0.5) and fishing mortality rate (Fcurrent = Fopt) respectively, through institution of closed fishing seasons and reduction in fleets targeting the species.Keywords: Exploitation; growth; life-span; mortality; stock

The influence of environmental factors and fishing effort on demersal fish species in Ghanaian waters

Disentangling the effects of fishing and the environment on fish abundance and distribution is essential for informing future fisheries management measures. Fishery-independent trawl survey data (8 years data between 1999 and 2016) were examined to test influences of fishing effort and environmental variables (temperature, oxygen salinity) on the spatial distribution of two species groups (5 economically important species and 3 non-commercial species) on the continental shelf of Ghana. Fishing effort influenced year-to-year variability in the abundance of 5 species negatively and 2 species positively, with 1 species unaffected. All species showed significant spatio-temporal associations with temperature, salinity and oxygen levels within the region. We observed some interannual consistency in fish spatial distributions given climatic variables’ correlation; however, some variability appeared to reflect tracking of year-to-year shifts in climatic variables, such as inshore–offshore shifts in goatfish, red pandora and red cornetfish associated with thermal and oxygen shifts. While the habitat models did not entirely explain the variability in these spatiotemporal patterns, overall, both commercially targeted and non-targeted demersal species appeared to be impacted by fishing and the species also track spatial and temporal changes in environmental conditions from year-to-year. Future fisheries management regulations in the region should incorporate spatially resolved measures of fishing effort alongside measures of environmental variables.

Sex ratio, gonad maturity and size-structure of Pagelus bellotti in Sierra Leone

A total of 135 specimens of Pagellus bellotti were randomly collected from artisanal boats in August 2018. Study of sex ratio, gonad maturity and size-structure of Pagellus bellottii is meagre in Sierra Leone, and forms the basis of the present study. The study will contribute to current knowledge and promote rational exploitation of the stock. Length and weight were measured using a fish measuring board (cm) and digital weight scale (g) respectively. Sex and gonad maturity were macroscopically assessed. Results showed dominant males (71.9%) and significant difference observed (1:2.6) and expected (1:1) female: male sex ratios (p <0.05). Only 11.9% and 11.1% of male and female gonads transcended to the developed stage (Stage IV). The length-frequency distribution for combined sex was unimodal (modal class, 17cm-20.9cm). Mean length and weight respectively were, 19.04±0.32cm and 98.85±5.08g for males and 17.43±0.54cm and 78.61±6.32g for females. Growth exponent (b) for male, female and combined sex was 2.809, 2.928 and 2.850 respectively and the correlation coefficient for all sex categories showed (r > 0.9). Indexes of condition were greater than 1.0 (K > 1) for all sex categories. Results portrayed a heterogeneous gender population of Pagelus bellottii and vast similarity in reproductive strategies by both sexes. The fish comprised of one size group and males may be growing larger than the females. Growth pattern was near-isometric for females and negative allometric for the males, and both sexes were in better condition (K >1.0). An annual study could provide further insight.

Assessment of demersal fish stocks in Ghanaian and adjacent waters

a) Five stocks of demersal fish important to Ghana are assessed for the period 1990-2016. These are based on the stock area as used by FAO that also includes catches from Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Benin. The stocks assessed include bigeye grunt (Brachydeuterus auritus), sea breams (Dentex spp), threadfin (Galeoides decadactylus), red Pandora (Pagellus bellottii) and croakers (Pseudolithus spp). b) Ghana accounts for the largest proportion of the total catches for all stocks from the four countries in the assessment unit. Total catches are variable but do not show a long term trend for three of the five stocks. There is evidence of a recent decline in catches of sea breams and an increase for threadfin. c) Fishing effort data are available for 17 fleets. Effort trends are highly variable but Ghana industrial trawl shows a marked increase which is also reflected in high catches of some species for this fleet. d) Catch per unit effort data (cpue) suggest that all stocks have declined from the 1990 level but may have stabilised or increased in recent years. However, the trends may be over-optimistic as the effort data are not corrected for increases in fishing power. e) A surplus production model is developed to assess the stocks using catch and effort data by fleet. The model also accounts for increasing fishing power over time and missing catch data. Simulation testing of the model shows that it is able to recover the correct parameter values. f) All five stocks show similar downward trends in stock biomass and increasing fishing mortality. They all appear to be fished above FMSY and the current biomass is below BMSY. The estimates of FMSY are uncertain but the estimated stock status relative to MSY is robust to different modelling assumptions. g) In four of the five stocks Ghanaian fleets dominate the fishing mortality with the industrial trawl having a large impact on sea breams and red Pandora. Cote d’Ivoire and Benin make a large contribution to fishing mortality on croakers but otherwise only comprise a small portion of the mortality on other stocks. h) Estimates of the rate of increase in fishing power vary considerably between fleets and species. Most notable is the above average increase in fishing power by Ghanaian and Benin industrial trawl fleet fishing for seabreams and red Pandora. A smaller increase but similar pattern is also evident in the Ghanaian artisanal hook and line fleet. i) Equilibrium analyses suggest that all five stocks are at high risk of stock collapse at current (2016) rates of fishing. Much of the catch appears to be dependent on in year production (recruitment and growth). j) Despite uncertainty in the estimates of BMSY and FMSY, the model described in the analysis provides the basis for a multi-fleet, mixed fishery model that can be used to investigate management scenarios and economic impacts.

Heavy metals concentration and human health risk assessment in seven commercial fish species from Asafo Market, Ghana.

Health risk assessment and heavy metal accumulation were evaluated in the muscles of widely consumed Trachurus trachurus, Lutjanus fulgens, Lutjanus goreensis, Acanthocybium solandri, Pagellus bellottii, Scomber colias and Dentex congoensis fish species in Asafo, Ghana. The fish samples were prepared using a wet digestion method and the heavy metals analysis was performed with the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (UNICAM 969). The results revealed that Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb concentrations were below the permissible values set by several health institutions. The health risk assessment based on non-carcinogenic and cancer factors effect indicates no adverse health effect of fish intake. The results of heavy metal concentrations showed that different varieties of fish could be safe for human intake and the results are anticipated to create alertness among the local people.

Preliminary Study of Fish Assemblage Structure of the Marine Protected Area of Cayar in Senegal

Preliminary Study of Fish Assemblage Structure of the Marine Protected Area of Cayar in Senegal Since its establishment in 2004, Cayar Marine Protected area (North of Senegal) is characterized by a lack of information on its fish fauna. Therefore, it becomes necessary to characterize the fish fauna of this MPA and its dynamics in time and space for a sustainable management of this conservation area. This present study investigated seasonal and spatial structure of the fish assemblage of Cayar MPA. This study consisted of collaborative seasonal sampling with local communities from six stations within the four main fishing areas with two types of fishing gears, purse seine and long line between 2015 and 2016. Ecological and trophic classification was performed in order to determine the fish fauna nature of this MPA. Multivariate analysis like factorial correspondence analysis and hierarchical classification analysis were carried out to study spatial and seasonal structure of fish assemblage of Cayar MPA. A total of 103 fish species from 45 families were reported. The most abundant species and the richest family were Pagellus bellottii and Carangidae, respectively. The fish assemblage was dominated by species of marine affinity and predators. Spatial and seasonal fish assemblages differed both in terms species richness and fish abundance. The highest and lowest species richness and abundance were recorded during the cold season and cold to warm transition period, respectively. A clear separation was found between stations where purse seine and long line were applied, in species composition and abundance. Results from this study might serve as the reference point of the fish assemblage in Cayar MPA. However, further investigation on the environmental variability is needed for a better understanding of the observed fish assemblage organization in time and space.

The spatial distribution of coastal fish assemblage in Côte d’Ivoire’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), West Africa

Objectives: The interest of this study is double. Firstly, these results allow for the characterisation of species assemblages, to identify their spatial distribution boundaries. Secondly, these findings are relevant to define spatial or ecosystem units in order to provide background for fisheries management. Methodology and Results: Samples were collected and studied at a grid of three zones during the cruise of investigation on board the Oceanographic Vessel ITAF DEME in March 2012. Forty- seven taxa belonging to four orders (Cephalopoda, Malacostraca, Chondrichtyes and Osteichtyes) were selected for analysis. Spatial differences in fish structure were analysed through different multivariate routines from PRIMER including between-matrix analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), species contributions to similarity/dissimilarity (SIMPER), non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS) and group average cluster analysis. Typical or abundant species from those zones included fishes from the families Sparidae, Haemulidae, Carangidae. The most abundant species were Ariomma bondi (Ariommidae), Selene dorsalis (Carangidae), Brachydeuterus auritus and Pomadasys incisus (Haemulidae), Pagellus bellottii (Sparidae). The species Sardinella maderensis , Brachydeuterus auritus , Trachurus trecae and Selene dorsalis had the highest frequencies of occurrence. Conclusion and application: The distribution of the species halieutics is not uniform along the coast of Cote d’Ivoire. This study pointed to the fish resources of Cote d’Ivoire’s Exclusive Economic Zone. These results will be used by the fishermen and for the development of adequate measures to prevent the loss of aquatic biodiversity. Keywords: Biodiversity, Indices of diversity, Coastal zone, Cote d’Ivoire

Aspects of population dynamics of Red Pandora, Pagellus bellottii (Steindachner, 1882) from the coastal waters of Ghana

Population parameters for Red Pandora, Pagellus bellottii (Steindachner, 1882) from the eastern coastline of Ghana, using length-frequency data from June 2014 to January 2015 were assessed. A total of 440 samples of Pagellus bellottii were measured for standard length and analyzed with FiSAT II. The asymptotic length (L∞) and growth rate (K) were 19.43 cm and 0.42 per year. Theoretical age at birth (t0 ) and growth performance index (ϕ) were -0.44 per year and 2.20. The age at first maturity (tm50) and longevity (tmax) were 2.2 years and 7 years. The Bhattacharya’s method revealed three modal lengths groups: 9.3 cm, 12.1 cm, and 14.6 cm. Total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality rate (M) and fishing mortality rate (F) were 2.58 per year, 1.10 per year, and 1.48 per year. Exploitation rate (Ecurrent) and maximum exploitation rate (Emax) were estimated as 0.57 and 0.93 respectively. The recruitment pattern was continuous with two major recruitment pulses. VPA outcome showed that midlengths of 11.5 cm and 12.5 cm experienced the highest harvesting rate. The fishing regime of Pagellus bellottii fell in the developed stage based on the quadrant rule. Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) was 7864.18 tons. Results from the study indicated the existence of growth overfishing with the present state of exploitation as a forewarning to the collapse of the fishery in future. With resilience of Red pandora within the medium category, incidence of overfishing will produce economic consequences. The developed stage of fishing suggested that maximization of yield per recruits will lead to low stock biomass of Red pandora.

First record of Pagellus bellottii (Teleostei: Sparidae) in the Bay of Biscay, France

The red pandora, Pagellus bellottii, is a tropical and subtropical demersal porgy (Sparidae) distributed in the eastern Atlantic, mostly along African coast. Several recent records in the Gulf of Cadiz suggests a northward migration of the species. Two specimens of the red pandora were caught in the southeast Bay of Biscay during the 2014 French fishery survey programme. They represent the first records of the species for the Bay of Biscay and for French waters. In Europe the species has been previously recorded only in the Gulf of Cadiz in the Atlantic and in Spanish Mediterranean waters. The hypothesis that global climate change is a factor for this almost 7° northward species range extension, commonly distributed in the tropical and subtropical eastern Atlantic along the African coast, is analysed using temperature data from the World Ocean Atlas 2013. The northern extension of the distribution range of Pagellus bellottii most probably is a consequence of the warming waters of the Bay of Biscay over the past decades.

An ultrastructural study on the merogonic stages of Goussia senegalensis (Faye, 1988) Diouf and Toguebaye, 1993 (Apicomplexa, Coccidia) from the liver of Pagellus bellottii (Pisces, Teleostei)

Little is known about the merogony of coccidians from fishes in Africa. To our knowledge, including both freshwater and marine fishes, developmental stages have been recorded for only Goussia cichlidarum, Cryptosporidium sp. parasitizing the stomachs of juvenile cichlid fish, and Eimeria (s. l.) vanasi. A survey of coccidians parasitizing marine fishes from the coast of Senegal (West Africa) was done between 1988 and 1992 and samples of infected organs were collected for further transmission electron microscopy observations. Merogonic stages were observed. Goussia senegalensis undergoes merogony in the hepatic cells of Pagellus bellottii as follows: meronts develop inside the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes and merozoites develop from them through endodyogeny and endopolygeny. Early meronts are uninucleate, but for most advanced meronts the single large nucleus is divided into 2 or more nuclei as the pellicle precursors of new merozoites arise. In this study, those associated with invaginations of the inner membrane were then arranged around portions of the cytoplasm, each including one nucleus. Mature meronts contained either 2 or several merozoites. At least 2 generations of merozoites developed.

Heavy metal contaminants in Red Pandora ( Pagellus erythrinus) tissues from the Eastern Aegean Sea, Turkey

Heavy metal contents were investigated in different organ tissues of Red Pandora ( Pagellus erythrinus) from the eastern Aegean Sea between May 1996 and July 1998. The concentrations of mercury in the muscle tissue ranged between 16 and 716, in liver 125–5451, in gonad 2.0–1858; cadmium in muscle nd-9.6, in liver 1.4–2245, in gonad nd-192; lead in muscle nd-1397, in liver 112–8311, in gonad nd-2927; zinc in muscle 1352–6693, in liver 2710–78705, in gonad 7273–168655; copper in muscle nd-383, in liver nd-21986, in gonad nd-20499 (μg/kg wet weight). The highest concentrations were generally found in the Southern Aegean Sea. All metal levels in muscle tissues are lower than the limits of European Dietary Standards and Guidelines. The metals ratios between liver and muscle indicated that the liver accumulated higher levels of metals than the muscle tissues. The bioaccumulation factor (BAFs) of metals was measured in muscle, liver and gonads. BAFs among the analysed elements showed the descending orders as Zn>Cu>Cd>Pb for muscle and gonads and Cd>Zn>Cu>Pb for liver.

Assessing the impact of fisheries on demersal fish assemblages of the Mauritanian continental shelf, 1987–1999, using dominance curves

Abstract The assemblages of demersal fish and associated species of the Mauritanian continental shelf are characterized on the basis of annual trawl surveys conducted during the period 1987–1999. Species composition is dominated by exploited species (Dentex spp., Pagellus bellottii, and Octopus vulgaris). Dominance curves (Abundance Biomass Comparison plots) were used to evaluate the impact of fisheries, which have increased in magnitude over several decades. The diagnosis of a “stressed” assemblage seems to converge with the results of a similar study conducted off Senegal, but here there was no trend in impact during the period of study. The sensitivity of the present results to the various ways of considering the available taxonomic information is also analysed.

Age, growth and bathymetric distribution of red pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) on the Cretan shelf (eastern Mediterranean)

Data from bottom trawl surveys conducted each summer, winter and spring on the Cretan shelf from 1988 to 1991, were used to study the age, growth, maturity and bathymetric distribution of red pandora (Pagellus erythrinus). The good agreement of back-calculated and observed lengths-at-age with length frequencies and the marginal increment analysis, supported the annual nature of scale marks. A comparison of available growth data from the Mediterranean and the Atlantic revealed higher lengths-at-age for red pandora in the north-western Mediterranean and the Atlantic than in the central and eastern Mediterranean. The auximetric analysis, i.e. the double logarithmic plot of the parameter K of the von Bertalanffy growth function vs asymptotic length (L∞), showed a strong negative relationship for the central and eastern Mediterranean data set, implying a common ‘growth space’ for the populations in these areas. Lengths-at-maturity were lower on the Cretan shelf than in the Atlantic. These differences were attributed to the synergistic combination of trophic and thermal conditions. Depth, temperature and salinity data were combined with biological data on abundance, fish size, age and maturity. In general, mean size increased with bottom depth because smaller individuals tended to be found in shallower and warmer waters. Individuals having reached first maturity were mainly distributed in the periphery of the algal/angiosperm meadows (60–80 m). All detailed studies of the bathymetric distribution and movements of shelf-dwelling demersal species (Mullus barbatus, Mullus surmuletus, Lepidotrigla cavillone and Pagellus erythrinus) in the Mediterranean show that these species are characterized by a spring–summer spawning season, a high concentration of spawning adults at mid-shelf depths, and nursery grounds located in the vegetated shallows. This multispecies pattern might have an adaptive function with both ecological and management implications.

Summertime Diel Variations in the Diet Composition and Feeding Periodicity of Red Pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) in Hisarönü Bay

In summer 1997, the stomach contents of 235 red pandora collected by bottom trawl from Hisarönü Bay in the southern Aegean coast of Turkey, were analysed. It was observed that red pandora is predominantly a diurnal feeder. More intensive feeding started in the afternoon, reaching its maximum value in the evening and continued until dusk. The minimum feeding intensity occurred during the night. The diet was found to consist primarily of polychaetes, especially Glyceridae, and crustaceans, mainly Natantia. No significant diel variation was observed in the diet composition of red pandora.

Aspects of the reproductive biology of the red Pandora <i>Pagellus bellottie</i> (Pisces: Sparidae) in Ghana

The reproductive biology of Pagellus bellottii (Stenidachner, 1882) occurring in Ghana is reported in this paper. Data was collected on monthly samples taken from November 1993 to October 1995. Specimens longer than 18.9 cm TL were predominantly males, but the ratio of males to females was not significantly different in small fishes. Overall, the males were numerically dominant. The smallest mature male and female fish measured 13.6 cm TL, and 13.5cm TL, respectively. These sizes correspond to maturity age of 0.65 yr. The length at which 50% of the fish are matured was estimated at 21.0 and 20.0cm TL which corresponded to 1.5 and 1.3 yr, respectively, for males and females. Changes in the gonadosomatic index (GSI) suggested a minor spawning activity in January and February, and a major spawning from June to September. Spawning in the species, therefore, occurred during the upwelling seasons in Ghanaian waters. The occurrence of two distinct groups of ova representing mature and immature stocks indicated possible discontinuous breeding in the species. JOURNAL OF THE GHANA SCIENCE ASSOCIATION Volume 2 No. 1 (2000) pp. 23-30

Growth and mortality parameters of <i>Pagellus bellottii</i> (sparidae) in the Cape Coast area of Ghan

Estimates of the growth and mortality parameters of the red pandora, Pagellus bellottii,in the Cape Coast area were obtained from length-frequency data compiled over two years (November 1993 to October 1995) using the ELEFAN computer programmes. The asymptotic length (Loo) was estimated at 34.2 cm total length, and the growth constant (K) as 0.53yr-1; the total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M) and fishing mortality (F) were determined as 3.74yr-1, 1.12yr-1 and 2.61yr-1, respectively. Over exploitation of the stock is suggested by the calculated exploitation ratio (E) of 0.7. JOURNAL OF THE GHANA SCIENCE ASSOCIATION Volume 1 Number 2, January (1999) pp. 53-62