Updated insights into the reproductive biology and somatic condition of Pagellus bellottii (Teleostei: Sparidae) in tropical waters of the Gulf of Guinea (West Africa)

The red pandora (Pagellus bellottii) is a coastal demersal species of great social and economic importance in West African fisheries. Increasing fishing pressure and environmental variability threaten the sustainability of its exploitation, highlighting the need for updated biological and reproductive data to inform management strategies. This paper examines weight-related and reproductive parameters of P. bellottii in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana from 2745 individuals sampled monthly between October 2019 and March 2021 (10–32.5 cm total length). The length-weight relationship, condition factor (K), sex ratio (M:F), gonadosomatic index (GSI), reproduction period and length at first maturity of females (L50) were determined. Males predominated in both countries (1:0.6 in Côte d’Ivoire, 1:0.8 in Ghana). The presence of mature females most of the year suggests continuous reproduction. However, monthly variations in GSI and in the proportion of mature females revealed two reproductive peaks: a main one between May and August/September, and a secondary one between December and February, likely associated with coastal upwelling. An inverse pattern between K and GSI was observed, reflecting energy allocation to gonadal development. The estimated female L50 in both countries was 17.8 cm. These findings, ideally complemented by longer study periods, provide essential data for science-based fisheries management and stock assessment.