AGE, GROWTH AND MATURITY OF THE GOAT-FISH (MULLUS BARBATUS L.) IN ABUKIR - ROSETTA REGION DURING 1969-1970,

AGE, GROWTH AND MATURITY
OF THE GOAT-FISH (MULLUS BARBATUS L.)
IN ABUKIR – ROSETTA REGION DURING 1969-1970,
BY
DR. M. 1′. HASHEM
(Institute of Oceanogmphy and Fisheries, Alexandria, A.R.E.
INTRODUCTION
The Goat-fishes are among the most important food fishes of the
Mediterranean Sea. During the last few years (1966-1970) these fishes
contributed by a considerable percentage of the commercial catch of A.R.E.
(Hashem. 1973). TIll’ rCL’:i.1lationof the Nile flood, resulting in a serious
change of the ecological conditions in the South-Eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea seems to be in favour of the fishery of these fishes. The
average annual catch of Mullidae has increased from 904 tons in 1962-1964
(before the Nile regulation) to 1354 tons ill 1965-1970 (after regulation),
insp ite of the decrease in the fishing area during’
the period 1967-1970 as
a result of the Middle-East conflict, (Egyptian Fishery Statistics, 1962-1970).
The biology of Goat-fishes, especially that of Mullus barbatus, L. has
been studied in many areas of the Mediterranean and adjacent Seas. However,
in Egypt little is known about these fishes. So,