Reproductive biology of Haemulon plumieri (Teleostei: Haemulidae) in Ceará state, Northeastern Brazil.

The Haemulon plumieri is a typical reef-associated and tropical species found in warm and temperate waters of the Western Atlantic. Due to the large fishing effort directed to H. plumieri, the knowledge about its reproductive biology is essential for correct stock management and conservation. The aim of this study was to characterise reproductive biology with a focus on its seasonal variation of gonadal maturation stages, first maturation size and fecundity. Specimens were monthly collected and a total of 119 females and 136 males were analysed. The reproductive cycle of Haemulon plumieri is seasonal, with higher activity between March and May. Size at first maturity (L50) was estimated at 16.86 and 18.55 cm for females and males, respectively. The total fecundity ranged between 17,816 and 120,333 mature oocytes per female and relative fecundity was 235 ± 63 oocyte.g-1 whereas batch fecundity varied between 20 and 25% from total fecundity. Since the species is widely caught, we suggest a closed season from March to May and to establish a minimum catch size of 18.5 cm for both sexes, since there is no evident sexual dimorphism.