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

Abstract

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