Reproductive biology of white mullet, Mugil curema (Valenciennes) in the Southern Caribbean

Gonadal development and spawning of white mullet, Mugil curema in the Gulf of Paria, Trinidad, West Indies, was investigated using both macroscopic and histological techniques. M. curema is a multiple batch spawner with a protracted spawning season from November to July. Gonadal development is annual and each female appears to spawn at least twice per year. The prolonged spawning season may thus be an indication of the lack of population synchrony rather than prolonged spawning by a single individual. Peak-spawning activity occurs in June/July and it is hypothesized that it is in response to the start of the rainy season. Oocyte development is group synchronous and development of oocytes in the leading clutch is isochronal.