Reproductive biology of barracuda, Sphyraena guachancho, on Ivorian coasts (Eastern Central Atlantic) (Article 12)

To provide information for improving barracuda stock management on the Ivorian coast, the reproductive biology (length-weight relationship, sexual development and size at first maturity) of Sphyraena guachancho was studied in relation to the marine seasons and fish size classes. Samples were obtained between July 2010 and June 2011 from commercial fisheries in Abidjan fishing port. A total of 662 specimens (328 females, 334 males) with sizes ranging from 19 to 63 cm FL were analyzed. The sex ratio of Sphyraena guachancho was found to be slightly in favour of males (1: 0.98). The length-weight relationship is isometric for both sexes. The gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), condition factor (K) and percentage of mature individuals for both sexes reveal that the breeding period corresponds to the Low Cold Season, mainly during January. The size at first maturity of the Sphyraena guachancho population is 28.8 cm. It was not COTE D’IVOIRE significantly different between males (27.8 cm) and females (30.3 cm). Sexual maturity was found to be earlier than measured in previous studies at different locations.