SEX RATIO, LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIPS AND MATURITY STAGES OF SALEMA (SARPA SALPA (LINNAEUS, 1758)) FROM THE CENTRAL ALGERIAN COAST (SOUTHWESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SEA)

The reproductive biology of Salema (Sarpa salpa (Linnaeus, 1758)) was investigated along the central Algerian coast (Southwestern Mediterranean Sea) from January to December 2015. A total of 712 individuals were collected and analysed from artisanal fisheries. The length frequency distribution indicated that males were frequent in the smaller size classes from 13.4 to 32.4 cm, while the females in the larger size classes from 24.5 to 48.8 cm. Characterized a protandrous and hermaphrodite species, the sex changes between 17.9 and 36 cm TL. The highest weights recorded were 446.18 and 1 170.6 g for males and females, respectively. The sex ratio (females: males) of the whole sample showed a homogeneous distribution for both sexes. The length-weight relationships indicated an isometric growth of Sarpa salpa. The length at 50% maturity was 21.31 cm and 33.15 cm for males and females, respectively. Mature males were found between 16.5 and 29.5 cm and females in length classes of 29.5 and 40.5 cm. Gonadosomatic index clearly indicated two spawning periods (spring and autumn) for both sexes.