| Red snapper collected quarterly from four artificial reefs in south Texas were examined to compare total length, total weight, age, and the proportion of male to female red snapper, calculate gonadosomatic index values, batch fecundity, annual spawning frequency, and annual fecundity, and estimate size and age at maturity. Spawning occurred from April to September, with most active spawning observed in June (58%). Despite larger red snapper producing more eggs, and fish being larger offshore, most active spawning (68%) and egg production (74%) was observed nearshore. Female red snapper reached 50% maturity (L50) between 350-550 mm, and L75 by 600 mm. Males reached L50 between 350-450 mm, reaching L100 by 550 mm. Although younger, smaller fish carried the burden of reproduction, fish matured at relatively later in life. These results, which suggest that nearshore red snapper rely heavily on artificial reefs for reproduction, are useful to artificial reef managers. |
