Biology of exploited groupers (Epinephelidae family) around La Réunion Island (Indian Ocean)

The groupers (Epinephelidae family) are demersal species that a vulnerable resource due to increasing fishing pressure around Reunion Island. Five of among the main exploited by commercial and recreational fisheries La Réunion Island: blacktip grouper ( Epinephelus fasciatus; Forsskål 1775), oblique-banded radiatus ; Day 1868), golden hind Cephalopholis aurantia , Valenciennes 1828), white-edged lyretail Variola albimarginata; Baissac 1953) yellow-edged louti; Fabricius 1775). From 2014 2021, total 482 individuals were caught. Body length-weight relationships showed significant relationship between length weight for all species. Among five species, sexual dimorphism was only observed E. fasciatus. For each von Bertalanffy model gave best fit ageing data. While unconstrained fitted very well data four C. V. albimarginata louti) Gompertz fasciatus . parameters these growth models asymptotic T L ∞ (from 28.9 cm 76.6 louti ), rate K 0.16 0.40 ) Consequently performance index varied from 2.40 3.09. Based on gonad observation, at first maturity females 14 18 aurantia, 32 34 corresponding age ranged 1.67 6.65 years old. Reproduction intensity reproduction peaked period three months year. Three aurantia; reproduced mainly in summer, December March, while exhibited peak spawning April July. updated biological invaluable inputs into future assessment management important