Reproductive biology of the speckled shrimp Metapenaeus monoceros (Fabricius)

Based on the biological data of Metapenaeus monoceros collected from shrimp trawler landings at Cochin Fisheries Harbour during 1991-93, an account on the reproductive biology of this species is given in this paper. The shrimp is a continuous breeder with two major spawning periods during December- April and August- September. The minimum size at maturity in females and males was 114 and 95 mm respectively. Females in general, outnumbered males and the average sex ratio of females and males during the period was 57.1: 42.9. The mature ova measured between 0.145 and 0.261 mm. Ovary weight in comparision with total length and total weight was found to be the best fit against fecundity in M. monoceros