Contribution to the life history and reproductive biology of gag, mycteroperca microlepis (serrandidae), in the South Atlantic bight

The gag, Myceteroperca microlepis, is a demersal serranid found along the southeastern coast of the States and in the Gulf of Mexico. Throughout its range the gag is of both commercial and recreational importance. Because of its relatively slow growth rate and desirability, overfishing is of wide concern. The gag is a protogynous hermaphrodite, and suggested that sexual transformation occurs during the 10th or 11th year. Spawning occurs from January to March off the west coast of Florida , and the maximum reported age is 13 years in both the Gulf of Mexico and the South Atlantic Bight 1978 J. Microscopic examination of the gonads is necessary for definite sexual identification, but gonad morphology has not been specifically described. The purpose of this study is to provide new information on the age, growth. and reproductive biology of this important species, including a description of the morphology of gag ovaries and testes