Title : Reproductive cycle and sexual maturity of the Egyptian sole Solea aegyptiaca in Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia)
Abstract:
Solea aegyptiaca (Chabanaud, 1927) is one of the most common Soleid species in southern Tunisian waters. Samples of Solea aegyptiaca were collected by trawl from the Gulf of Gabes between April 2013 and March 2015. A total of 1638 specimens were examined, ranging from 9.7 to 30.7 cm total length. The macroscopic analysis of the gonads and the progression of the monthly values of gonadosomatic index (GSI) indicated that the reproductive season extended from October to February, with GSI for males and females peaking in November, and that spawning occurs once a year from November to February. The utilization of lipid reserves, stored predominantly in the liver as well as in muscles, was depicted. The smallest mature male was 17 cm LT and the largest mature male was 28 cm, whereas L50 was estimated to be 22.31 ± 0.41 cm LT. The smallest mature female was 20 cm LT and the largest female was31 cm, whereas L50 was estimated at 23.19 ± 0.184 cm LT.
