Growth pattern and reproductive biology of Acanthopagrus latus from the Persian Gulf

The growth pattern and reproductive biology of Acanthopagrus latus were studied to derive information required for their management in the south part of Iran, Persian Gulf. Samples collected monthly from October 2014 to September 2015. Parameter values of the Von Bertalanffy growth function fit to length frequency data (males and females combined) were estimated as k = 0.23 per year, L∞ =50.4 cm (LF), to = −0.7 years. Total, natural and fishing mortality (males and females combined) calculated as Z=0.87 per year, M=0.57 per year and F=0.3 per year, the exploitation rate were estimated for this species as E=0.45 per year. According to collected length data, A. latus exploited below the mean size at which females achieved first sexual maturity (24.4 cm LF). The length-weight relationships of males and females together estimated as, W=0.0939*LF2.57 and exhibited negative allometric growth. Gonado-somatic index estimation indicated February as a spawning time for this species, with the main spawning period enduring to Jun. In general, parameters values obtained, characterized this species of relatively slow growing and long lived, which should be taken into consideration for sustainable management and exploitation for preventing overexploitation.