Reproductive aspects of areolate grouper , Epinephelus areolatus and six-barred grouper , E . sexfasciatus from Terengganu waters , Malaysia

Epinephelus areolatus and E. sexfasciatus are the most dominant grouper species landed in Terengganu waters and exploited by various type of fishing gears but knowledge on their population characteristics is still limited. This study aims to investigate the spawning season, fecundity and length at first maturity of these two commercially important species in Terengganu waters, Malaysia. To achieve that, macroscopic and microscopic analysis of the gonads are carried out. This study found that both species have extended spawning season from January to May. They also have high fecundity with the mean of 24646 to 26104 eggs per mature female of E. areolatus. For E. sexfasciatus, the mean fecundity ranges from 15850 eggs to 23961 eggs per mature female. The total length at maturity (Lm) for E. areolatus from Pulau Kambing and Kuala Dungun were 32.60 cm and 35.70 cm, respectively. While Lm for E. sexfasciatus from Pulau Kambing and Kuala Dungun were estimated at 24.00 cm and 22.80 cm, respectively. The findings from this study can be used to develop suitable management practice for groupers such as establish close season and formulating suitable mesh size regulation.