Female Reproductive Biology of the Klunzinger\'s Mullet (Liza klunzingeri) in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea

Histological changes and maturity stages during the reproductive cycle of the ovaries of Klunzinger's Mullet (Liza klunzingeri) were investigated. The evaluation of the spawning season was carried out based on monthly samples from 3 stations in the Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea. Sex ratio was approximately 1:3 (M: F). The maturity stages of female L. Kluningeri are: Virgin, Developing Virgin, Developing, Developed, Gravid and Spent. Observations on seasonal maturity stages indicated that the species had a spawning period from November to March. The highest and the lowest gonadosomatic index (GSI) of 6.03 and 0.28 occurred in December and May, respectively. Individuals reached 50% maturity at 15.4 cm Total Length (TL). Histological analyses indicated group synchronous ovarian development occurred in L. klunzingeri.