BREEDING BIOLOGY OF A CARANGID FISH SELAROIDES LEPTOLEPIS CUV (PERCIFORMES) ALONG TUTICORIN, SOUTHEAST COAST OF INDIA

Studies on ova diameter frequency, seasonal occurrence of maturity sta ges, gonado-somatic indices and relative condition factor (Kn) reveale d that S. leptolepis was a prolonged breeder and the individuals spawn ed once in a year. The spawning period for S. leptolepis was from Augu st to March with two peaks, one in January to February and the other i n September to October. Length at first maturity in S. leptolepis was 113.8mm (TL) for both the sexes. Fecundity studies showed a direct and significant correlation with total length and body weight. Sex ratio conformed to the expected 1:1 ratio in all the months of the year.