Analysis of the cycle of reproduction of Sardina pilchardus (Walbaum, 1792) off the Moroccan Atlantic coast

Abstract

This work focuses on aspects of reproductive biology of Sardina pilchardus from the Atlantic coast of Morocco. The mean values of batch fecundity estimated for the species is 23 150 (±1301) oocytes for a mean size of 19.5 (±0.49) cm, the mean relative fecundity being 346 (±7.34) oocytes per gram of female without ovary. Batch fecundity increases with total length and body weight without ovary. Sizes at first sexual maturity (L 50 ) are reached for males and females at 15.8 (±0.29) cm and 15.8 (±0.35) cm, respectively. The spawning period for the population extends between October and July and the spawning peak occurs from October to February. However, the small sardines (14.5-17 cm) in their first reproduction spawn between November and June, whereas larger fish (17.5-25 cm) spawn between October and July. The factor of condition (K) increased in summer during the sexual resting phase. It is weak in winter during the period of reproduction. Regarding, the sex ratio, there was no significant difference in the number of males and females. To cite this article: K.

Estimation of target strength of Sardina pilchardus and Sardinella aurita by theoretical approach

“…2), this 0.7-1.5 dB difference could also explain our relatively high b20 values. Regarding GSI, no information was obtained in the present study or in the report off Morocco [10], however studies on S. pilchardus showed GSI up to 6-6.6 [33,34]. Applying Eq.…”

Biochemical and physiological modifications in tissues of Sardina pilchardus: spatial and temporal patterns as a baseline for biomonitoring studies

“…Mature individuals mate at the end of the first year of life (Stratoudakis and Silva, 2001) and the most active spawning period occurs when the temperature is comprised between 14 and 16 • C, which usually corresponds to winter and spring (Chícharo, 1998;Nunes et al, 2011). The physiological condition of S. pilchardus seems to be linked to its reproductive cycle (Amenzoui et al, 2006;Garrido et al, 2008;Nunes et al, 2011). Literature on the use of S. pilchardus as an environmental sentinel has shown its contamination by anthropogenic compounds, namely metals (Canli and Atli, 2003;Cabañero et al, 2005;Falcó et al, 2006), but also polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and pesticides (Amado et al, 2006;Antunes et al, 2007;El Morsy et al, 2013).…”

Study of reproduction of anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus (Actinopterygii, Engraulidae) in the central area of the Moroccan Atlantic coast

“…These species were defined as fish living in the sea between the surface and 200 meters deep and characterized by significant horizontal and vertical migration in coastal waters [1]. They make up the largest share of global marine catch and they represent quantitatively the main exploited resources, and account for almost 80 % of catches [2,3]. The socioeconomic importance of sea fishing requires managers to strengthen the biological studies necessary for the evaluation of these resources in order to allow fishermen to make the most of natural stands on one hand, and to safeguard stocks by appropriate regulatory measures on the other hand.…”