Reproductive biology of the Salema, fish Sarpa salpa (Osteichthyes: Sparidae) along the eastern coast of Libya

In the current work, the overall ratio between males and females of Sarpa salpa was 1:0.32. The first sexual maturity of males was recorded at length group (21.1-24cm) by 66.6% and the female was recorded at length group (24.1-27) by 50%. Ovaries of S. salpa were examined. The smallest mature female had a total body length of 29 cm and 387.73 gm weight with absolute fecundity of 2,978,440 eggs. The largest female had total body length of 39 cm and body weight of 918.86 gm with absolute fecundity 1,685,729 eggs. Based on the results of maturity stages, gonadosomatic indices (G.S.I) and ova diameters, the study showed clearly that spawning season of S. salpa in the Libyan coast of the Mediterranean waters extends from October to December.