Reproductive biology and growth of greater forkbeard Phycis blennoides (Brünnich, 1768) in Western Algerian Coasts (Osteichthyes, Gadidae)
Résumé fourni par la source
The Great forkbeard, Phycis blennoides (Brunnich, 1768), is a species widely distributed throughout the Mediterranean Sea and although it is of great importance for fishing industry, little is known about its reproductive characteristics. This study provides first data on reproductive characteristics of this species in the south western Mediterranean, important for management and stock assessment. For this purpose a total of 461 individuals ranging from 17.5 to 43.5 cm in total length were collected monthly in a period of one year using trammel nets. Sex ratio of males to females was 1:0.91. The estimated length where 50% of analyzed individuals were sexually mature was 24.73 cm for females. The peak value of gonad somatic index was recorded in September and continued throughout the October, indicating the highest spawning activity when the Kn values are low. *Corresponding Author: Sofiane Med el Amine Benghali sbenghali@yahoo.com