Reproductive biology and pathological changes of the Egyptian sole (Solea aegyptiaca, Chabanaud, 1927) from polluted waters of Abu-Kir Bay near Alexandria, Egypt

Abstract

Solea aegyptiaca in Abu-Kir Bay becomes mature at 18 and 20 cm total length for males and females respectively and within two years of age for both sexes. Spawning occurs in winter (December-February). The sizefrequency distribution of oocytes more than 100 pm in diameter indicates that S. aegyptiaca is a determinate spawner and that an annual potential fecundity can be measured. Low gonadosomatic index and low potential fecundity, low condition factor (K), and histological anomalies of the ovaries of some mature females have been observed during the reproductive period. The presence of pollutants in Abu-Kir Bay sediments resulting from industrial wastes and untreated sewage may be responsible for this alteration in oogenesis and the consequent drop in fecundity.