Some Aspects of Reproductive Biology of Alosa fallax (Lacepède, 1803) Twait Shad in Syrian Marine Waters, Eastern Mediterranean

This study investigates the reproductive biology of Twait Shad (Alosa fallax) in the coastal waters of Latakia Governorate, Syria. Fish samples (1,200 specimens) were collected using local fishing methods (Gillnets and Purse nets) from October 20, 2021, to September 14, 2023. The total length of the sampled fish ranged from 10.4 to 21 cm, with an average of 14.27 cm ± 3. The studied population consisted of males, who outnumbered females, comprising 59.4% and 40.6%, respectively. The reproductive study showed that A. fallax spawns in Syrian marine waters from April to September, with a single peak in May for both sexes. The highest gonad somatic index (GSI%) values were recorded in May. The length at first sexual maturity was 17.1 cm for males and 19.1 cm for females. The hepatosomatic index (HSI%) reached its highest values during the first year of the study, in October 2022 (1.91 ± 1.01), and in September 2023 (3.92 ± 3.05).