Reproductive Biology of Splendid Ponyfish Leiognathus splendens (Cuvier, 1829) in Myeik Coastal Waters, Myanmar

Abstract

Reproductive biology of Leiognathus splendens was studied by using the samples collected from the catches of trawl fisheries in Myeik coastal waters during January to December 2014. Spawning takes place throughout the year, with a peak during April-May and September-December. The observed length at first maturity was 9.0 cm total length in males and 8.4 cm in females. The mean gonadosomatic index was more prominently in females (2.5) than males (1.5). Sex ratio (1 male: 1.1 females) also indicates the general dominant of females over males  Fecundity varied from 6120 to 58412 eggs. Relationship of fecundity to fish length, fish weight and ovary weight showed that fecundity is more related to the gonad weight (r=0.9) than length (r=0.8) and weight of fish (r=0.7)