Some properties reproductive of the speckled shrimp (Metapenaeus monoceros Fabricius, ۱۷۹۸) in the North-eastern Mediterranean

Speckled shrimp (Metapenaeus monoceros), is a commercially important prawn in the embayments and estuaries of the Mediterranean Sea. It is originally a Lessepsian species which had migrated from the Red Sea into the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal. This study was carried out in the North-eastern Mediterranean Sea between November ۲۰۰۹ and October ۲۰۱۰ with monthly sampling of speckled shrimps, by bottom trawl operations. Totally ۷۸۴ specimens of this shrimp were studied, and the male/female ratio was determined as ۱:۱.۴. The minimum size at first maturity for females was measured as ۷۴ mm TL, and ۵۰% of the female population were mature at about ۱۱۰ mm (TL۵۰%). It was also determined that female shrimps had developed their eggs between June to October, with two peak spawning periods between June-July, and August and October.

Keywords:

Shrimp , Reproduction , Size at first maturity , Mediterranean Sea