Reproduction and feeding biology of Madagascar Meager (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) from Khuzestan coastal waters

Abstract

Biological attributes of Madagascar Meager (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) was studied from October 2008 to September 2009 in coastal waters of K.huzestan province. Average maximum length was 128.4±7.50 in October and average minimum length was 104.86±12.47 in May. The maximum weight was 27500g, the minimum weight was 5700g and mean weight for males and females were 15.222±4.40 and 16.942±5.09, respectively.

Reproductive studies showed that peak maturity season occurred in July. The length­

weight relationship were calculated as W=0.042L 2 70 for males and W=0.06L2 61for females. The male-female sex ratio was calculated as 1:1.07 and chi-square analysis showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between the two sexes. The average absolute and relative fecundity were estimated to be 4054045±37265 and 179.19±50.41, respectively Madagascar Meager is carnivore and we found the diet ofthe species consisted offish (75%), crustaceans (20%) and mollusks (5%). Analysis of monthly variation in the condition factor (Kn) indicated a fluctuation throughout the year, with a high level during May. Vacuity index indicated a higher feeding rate in males compared to females. We also found that the species continues feeding in the spawning season.