Studies on the reproductive biology of Indian Sand Whiting Sillago sihama (Forsskal)

Abstract

Sillago sihama have a prolonged breeding season from June to December, with spawning activity peaked during the period of September to November. Length at first maturity stage was found to vary between 155-164 mm (total length) in both sexes. Although overall sex ratio indicated predominance of female, Chi-square test (x sup(2)) showed no significant difference throughout the year. Fecundity varied from 11,376 to 103,695 per fish, is significantly correlated with total length (r = 0.85, p<0.01), body weight (r = 0.88, p < 0.01) and ovary weight (r = 0.87, p< 0.01)