Annual reproductive cycle of gafftopsail catfish, Bagre marinus (Ariidae) in a tropical coastal environment in the Gulf of Mexico

Reproductive cycle of (Bagre marinus) and its relation to environmental variables were analyzed. Specimens were collected from commercial landings of long line artisanal fleet of the Chiltepec Barrier, Tabasco, Mexico. Gonadosomatic index showed one reproductive period/year. Reproduction occurs in shallow coastal waters at temperatures of 27.0 - 29.0 degree C. Female condition factor had a similar behavior than the gonadosomatic index, with values (0.61 to 0.63). A decrease on the condition factor in males was related to the energetic cost of oral incubation. This finding was consistent with a decrease in the proportion of captured males during the months from July to November when males migrated from fishing areas to estuarine zones to release their progeny. This species presents a synchronic ovocitary development in two groups with total spawning. The species presents low fecundity. The mean number of mature hydrated oocytes/female was 33, which is related to the mouth brooding tactic which allowed ariid species to survive under a variety of environmental conditions. Gafftopsail catfish take advantages of the different habitats present in its distribution area, by using a reproductive strategy with local seasonal migrations.