Reproductive biology of lizard fish, Saurida tumbil (Forskal)‎ in the Jizan Region of the Red Sea

الملخص EN

The reproductive biology of lizard fish Saurida tumbil in the Jizan region of the Red Sea was studied during 1986.

Females outnumbered males and attained larger size than males.

Among young individuals male s were more numerous than females, while in older age groups the females were more numerous.

There is no significant difference in length-weight relation ship between the sexes.

The equation for the two sexes are found to be log w = - log 1.954 + 2.958 log L The smallest size at first maturity was 11 cm for males and 13 cm for females.

About 50 % of the fem ales were mature at a length of 19 cm.

The spawning of males and females extended throughout the year.

The greatest amount of spawning was observed during winter.

Gonado-carcass ratio of fem ales was high from October to May.

Spawning is often concentrated at the time of the year when prevailing winds or current s are at their weakest.

Monthly variations in the visceral carcass ratio and relative condition were analysed for both sexes in relation to spawning activity.

This species is carnivorous and feeds mainly on fish.