The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research· 2026Q1
Interactive Effects of Temperature and Salinity on the Reproductive Dynamics of Thin-lip Grey Mullet (Liza ramada) in the Bitter Lakes, Suez Canal, Egypt
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Short summary
Reproductive activity in Liza ramada occurs from September to December, peaking in December with a female GSI of 23.7, and is significantly influenced by the interaction of temperature and salinity.
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Key points
- Liza ramada reproduction in the Bitter Lakes occurs from September to December, with peak female GSI of 23.7 in December.
- Length at 50% maturity (L₅₀) is 18.5 cm for females and 17.5 cm for males.
- Absolute fecundity ranges from 54,231 to 566,671 eggs and is size-dependent.
- Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) show a significant interaction between temperature and salinity affecting female GSI.
- A female-biased sex ratio (up to 3.13:1) was observed during the spawning season.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
The Suez Canal, a dynamic marine corridor, exhibits sharp environmental gradients, making its biota vulnerable to climate-driven fluctuations. This study investigates the synergistic effects of temperature and salinity on the reproductive strategy of the economically important thin-lip grey mullet, Liza ramada , in the Bitter Lakes. A total of 500 L. ramada specimens were collected across monthly sampling surveys from January to December 2025 for comprehensive biometric and gonadal analyses. Female GSI increased markedly from September and reached a maximum of 23.7 in December, accompanied by progressive oocyte development, indicating that the main reproductive activity occurred during September–December. The length at 50% maturity (L₅₀) was 18.5 cm for females and 17.5 cm for males. Absolute fecundity ranged from 54,231 to 566,671 eggs and was strongly size-dependent. Generalized Additive Mixed Models (GAMMs) revealed that sea water temperature ranged from 18.5 ± 0.7 °C in January to 31.4 ± 1.3 °C in August, while salinity ranged from 38.2 ± 0.4 to 39.6 ± 0.5 PSU. GAMM analysis showed a strong nonlinear effect of temperature on female GSI, a significant effect of salinity, and a highly significant temperature × salinity interaction. A pronounced female-biased sex ratio during the spawning season (up to 3.13:1 in December) suggests potential sex-specific migration or mortality. These findings demonstrate that the reproductive phenology and potential of L. ramada are highly sensitive to the interactive effects of climatic variables. We conclude that fisheries management in this critical corridor must adopt dynamic, climate-responsive strategies to ensure sustainability.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research, 2026 · DOI ↗
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PhysiologyBiochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology