Reproduction in the protogynous black grouper Mexico (Mycteroperca bonaci (Poey)) from the southern Gulf of Mexico
2003
An analysis was made of sexual pattern, spawning season, sizes at sexual maturation, and sex change in black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci) from the southern Gulf of Mexico.
Samples were taken between 1996 and 2000, from industrial and small-craft commercial fi sheries, in offshore and
inshore waters of the continental shelf of the Yucatan Peninsula (Campeche Bank), including the shallow waters of
National Marine Park Alacranes Reef. For all collected specimens (n=1229), sex and maturation condition were
determined by histological analysis of the gonads. The offshore sample consisted of 75.1% females, 24.3% males,
and 0.6% transitional-stage fish. All individuals collected from inshore waters were females. Gonadal structure and population structure characteristics for Campeche Bank black grouper were consistent with the characteristics
of monandric protogynous hermaphrodism for a serranid fish. Sexually active males and females were observed year-round,
although ripening females, with stage-III, -IV, and -V vitellogenic oocytes in the ovaries, dominated in samples
taken between December and March. In addition, peak occurrence of ripe-running females with hyaline oocytes
or postovulatory follicles (or both) in the ovaries was recorded in January and February. A few precocious females
began spawning in October and November, and others were still in spawning condition in May and June. Fifty percent
maturity of females was attained at 72.1 cm fork length (FL). Median size at sexual inversion was 103.3 cm FL, and 50% of the females measuring 111.4 cm FL had transformed into males. The southern Gulf of Mexico grouper fishery
was considered deteriorated and lacked a well-defined management strategy. Results of the present study provide
helpful information on black grouper reproduction in this area and could help Mexican authorities choose appropriate
management strategies for this fishery, such as minimum size limit, closed fishing season, and protection of spawning aggregations.
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