Reproductive biology of Diplodus vulgaris (Teleostei, Sparidae) in the southern Tunisian waters (Central Mediterranean)

Abstract

          The reproduction of the common-two banded seabream (N=916), Diplodus vulgaris, was studied in the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia). The length at the first maturity averages 13.64 ± 0.18 cm for males and 13.84 ± 0.17 cm for females. Macroscopic examination of gonads and gonad-somatic index indicated that spawning occurs once a year between November and February with peak activity in November and December. Fecundity estimates ranged from 8 400 to 30 800 oocytes.