Species diversity and some aspects of reproductive biology and life history of groupers (Pisces: Serranidae: Epinephelinae) off the central eastern coast of India

Abstract

<div><p></p><p>Due to increased fishing activity, catches of larger species and individuals decrease. Behaviour, reproductive biology and life history data are fundamental to determine vulnerability to fishing. Groupers (Serranidae: Epinephelinae) are valuable targets for fisheries in many parts of the world but are highly susceptible to heavy and unregulated fishing. For many regions, biological information on groupers necessary for management purposes is still scarce. The North Andhra region, central east coast of India, has been the centre for a variety of fishing activities for a long time. Many species of groupers are landed by a variety of gears at fishing harbours and nearby fishing villages of this region. The present paper incorporates data on species diversity and length groups represented in the catches, results of length-weight relationship studies, length at first maturity, and fecundity of grouper species belonging to two genera, <i>Cephalopholis</i> and <i>Epinephelus</i>, that are represented in the commercial catches of this region. The consideration of length at first maturity and fecundity estimations is a very important prerequisite to prevent exploitation and detrimental effects for these fisheries resources.</p></div