Reproductive biology of female sawcheek scorpionfish, Brachypterois serrulata (Richardson, 1846) (Teleostei; Scorpaenidae) from Visakhapatnam Coast, India

Abstract

We examined the reproductive biology of sawcheek scorpionfish, Brachypterois serrulata, collected from Visakhapatnam fish landing center (fishing area covered 16.98°–20.20°N, 82.19°–86.53°E). We studied the annual reproductive cycle, fecundity, size at first maturity, mode of spawning with periodical changes and histological preparations. Size distribution and size at sexual maturity were calculated as 108 mm TL for females. The mean gonado somatic index values of female increased rapidly from January to December, and reached its peak during January and February. The fecundity of the fish species is determined by the size and weight of the individuals. The fecundity varied from 1896 to 20,488, with an average of 5721.90 ova.