Reproductive cycle of the leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea in La Paz Bay, Mexico

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JA Estrada-Godínez
M Maldonado-García
V Gracia-López
M Carrillo

Abstract

The leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea is an endemic species from the northwestern coast of Mexico and, like other serranid fishes, it has a high commercial value; hence, it is a good candidate for cultivation. This study aimed to describe the reproductive cycle of the leopard grouper in the wild as a step toward evaluating its aquaculture and restocking potential. From March 2008 to February 2009, 197 specimens were collected in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Overall sex ratio was 3.6 females to 1.0 male. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in total length and body weight were found between sexes. Group-synchronous ovarian development was observed with one yearly spawning period from May to June. Males matured two months earlier than females. The reproductive cycle was divided into four periods: (1) maturation, (2) spawning, (3) post-spawning, and (4) resting. Significant variations in the gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, visceral fat index, and condition factor were observed throughout the study period. In addition, nine individuals were classified as immature bisexuals and one grouper presented evidence of sex change. 

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How to Cite
Estrada-Godínez, J., Maldonado-García, M., Gracia-López, V., & Carrillo, M. (2011). Reproductive cycle of the leopard grouper Mycteroperca rosacea in La Paz Bay, Mexico. Ciencias Marinas, 37(4A), 425–441. https://doi.org/10.7773/cm.v37i4A.1954
Section
Research Article
Author Biography

V Gracia-López, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste

Investigador del CIBNOR, especialista en reproducción d epeces marinos, perteneciente a la linea de peces marinos.

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