The reproductive biology of Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758) (Teleostei: Sparidae) in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean)

The present study of reproduction pattern of Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758) in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea was based on the analysis of the sex structure (including hermaphroditism incidence), gonad maturation and size at maturity. The southern Tyrrhenian Sea population of Boops boops is a gonochoric species as protogynous hermaphroditism was present in a very low percentage of individuals (< 1%). The overall sex ratio was equally distributed, whereas the sex ratio by size class had a prevalence of females between 151 and 190 mm total length (TL). Overall size at first maturity (Lm) was 138 mm TL, with no significant difference between males (142 mm TL) and females (131 mm TL). Spawning took place from February to April, with a peak in March. Histological examination allowed to validate the macroscopic scale adopted in the present study, revealing a satisfactory percentage (88 %) of correct classification.