(Maturation and spawing of marine catfish ( Osteichthyes, Ariidae ) inthe lagoon-estuarine complexo f Cananéia (25º.S, 48º.W)

Abstract

Gonadal and sexual maturation and spawning season of Arius spixii, Genidens genidens, Sciadeichthys luniscutis, Netuma barba and Bagre marinus are presented. The maturity factor (MF) and the gonad index (GI) were also significant as index of gonadal maturity. The maturation and spawning process of large fish occur firstly than that of the small one of the same species. The spawning of all species was observed from November to January. The standard length at first sexual maturation was estimated for Arius spixii (9.6 cm), Genidens genidens (15.5 cm) and Sciadeichthys luniscutis (18.0 cm).