Age and Growth of Emperor Fishes, Lethrenus nebulosus (Forskal, 1775) (Fam. Lethrinidae) from Coastal Waters of Hadhramout Governorate (Yemen)

Emperor fishes ( Lethrenus nebulosus), is one of the commercially fish species landed in Hadhramout fish markets. These fishes are targeted to be transported abroad due to their favorable and tasty meat. These fishes are mainly caught in Hadhramout coastal waters by artisanal fleets, which are mainly caught by longline , traps and trawl fishing gears. For the purpose of this study, fish samples were collected from Al sheher and Mukalla fish markets. These fishes were taxonomically identified and some biological aspects were studied as well as fish aging were conducted. The results of size composition shows that, moderate sized fishes (30-40cm) was dominated the sample studied. Aging was done by means of otoliths and scales where maximum aged fishes obtained was four (IV) years old. Fishes of the ages 0-II was dominate the sample which might be due to that bigger and older ones are sold outside fish markets. The length-weight relationship shows that b and values were 2.9 and 0.02 respectively whereas the average value of condition factor (k) was 1.5. The results show that the growth of Emperor fishes, L. nebulosus was faster at the first year of old. Aging by means of otoliths is the most accurate while a scale reading is an appropriate method that scales is easy to get from fish markets