An investigation on food habits and spawning season of Acanthopagrus latus (Sparidae) in the Persian Gulf

Food habits and spawning season of Acanthopagrus latus (Sparidae) were studied in Bushehr, Delvar and Rostami waters of the Persian Gulf. Samples have been collected from March 1996 to February 1997 on a monthly basis. A total of 87 males and 95 females were examined and different biological parameters were measured. The Relative Length of the Gut (RLG) was estimated to be 0.64, which indicates that this is a carnivorous species. Food items have also been identified using numerical method. Out of 159 stomachs studied 36.36% were found to contain crabs, 33.99% other fish and 13.43% shrimps. The content of snails and sea urchins were 11/46% and 4/ 76% respectively. It is evident from the results of the study that A. latus feeds mainly on crabs and fish. The vacuity index was calculated to be 0.13. This indicated that this fish is an active predator. The Gonado Somatic Index (GSI) was estimated to be highest during February - March and lowest in June. GSI maxima was coincided with fecun.....