Reproduction of freckled goatfish Upeneus tragula (Mullidae) in the coastal zone of Vietnam

A study on the freckled goatfish (Upeneus tragula) in Vietnam's coastal zones reveals distinct reproductive patterns. In Nha Trang Bay, fish spawn year-round with some individuals experiencing non-seasonal spawning interruptions. Conversely, Ha Long Bay populations exhibit a clear winter spawning pause. The research also found sex ratios of 0.93:1 (females:males) in Nha Trang and 1.2:1 in Ha Long, with no significant differences in body length-weight relationships between sexes. Females reach sexual maturity at 10.2 cm fork length, contributing to the understanding of tropical fish reproduction in these UNESCO-listed marine areas.

Pavlov, D. A., Emel’yanova, N. G., Thuan, L. T. B., & Ha, V. T. (2014). Reproduction of freckled goatfish Upeneus tragula (Mullidae) in the coastal zone of Vietnam. Journal of Ichthyology, 54(10), 893–904. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0032945214100129