ASPECTS OF REPRODUCTION AND SEXUALITY IN THE BLACK-SPOT TUSKFISH, CHOERODON SCHOENLEINII

The annual reproductive cycle and sexuality of Choerodon schoenleinii were studied histologically. The major spawning period persisted from February until May, spawning of individuals occurring almost every day during the most active period, being March and April. Relationships b etween TL and both Fecundity and batch fecundity were obtained. C. sch oenleinii mature as females at about 24 cm TL and exhibit protogynous hermaphroditism with monandric sexuality. Sex transition occurred from 40-64 cm TL, all fish larger than 65 cm TL being males. C. schoenlein ii is closely sexually dichromatic, the body color changing from an in itial greenish-yellow phase (female) to a terminal blue phase (male), in almost complete accordance with the sex transition.