Collaborative approach in the study of the reproductive biology of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus (Lowe, 1834) (Perciformes: Serranidae) - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v28i3.213

Abstract

Several aspects of the reproductive biology of the dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus were investigated using a collaborative methodology. 193 specimens of dusky groupers were obtained in collaboration with fish market personnel in the city of São Francisco do Sul, Santa Catarina State, Southern Brazil. Fish market staff were trained and encouraged to collect biological material required for reproductive studies, giving access to many specimens which otherwise would have been unavailable. E. marginatus was found to reproduce in early summer, spawning between November and December. Females reached sexual maturity at approximately 460 mm total length. Sampled males ranged from 900- 1000 mm and females from 300-960 mm in total length. No transitional (i.e. sex changing) males were observed. The regression equation for the relationship between total length (TL) (mm) and total weight (TW) (g) was TW = 4.4x10^-5TL^2.8. Suggestions to improve the performance of future collaborative sampling projects are discussed.