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Spawning season and fecundity of Sepia pharaonis In Bushehr coastal waters (Persian Gulf)

Abstract

Fecundity rate and spawning season for cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis), a commercially important species in Busheher coastal waters were studied from December 2007 to May 2008. We collected 142 specimens and after their sexuality were 18 males, 3 immatures, 16 first stage pieces, 14 second stage pieces and 91 pieces in third and fourth stages. The assesse d biological characteristics such as: Mantle length, weight of total body, Nidam ental gland, weight of head, weight of ovary and fecundity rate. We recorded 201 .8 plus or minus 6.8mm for mean, 280mm for maximum and 115mm for minimum mantle length. The mean body total weight was 895.8 plus or minus 143g, and the maximum was 2098g, while its mini mum was 241.13g. The mean, maximum and minimum Nidamental gland weight was 41.1 ± 18.6, 126.8, and 0.2g, respectively. For the relationship between mantle length (ML, mm) and fecundity we found the linear regression equation: Fecundity = -6 30.68+5.22ML. The mean, maximum and minimum fecundity rate was 494 plus or minus 131, 1246 and 178, respectively. The results of this study showed spawning season for Sepia pharaonis in the coastal waters of Busheher Province to be from the end of February to the end of June

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