Dadzie, S.Abou-Seedo, F.Moreau, J.2012-04-232017-10-142012-04-232017-10-142008http://197.255.68.203/handle/123456789/566Oogenesis, oocyte maturation pattern, spawning rhythm, spawning frequency, batch fecundity and oocyte diameter-frequency distribution of the black pomfret, Parastromateus niger (Block, 1795) in Kuwaiti waters were investigated from October, 2003 to September, 2005, using histological and morphological methods. The process of development is divided into four major phases: (i) primary growth phase; (ii) secondary growth; (iii) maturation phase; and (iv) spawning phase, followed by the regressed phase. Development of the yolky oocyte maturation, in dear differentiation between a ready batch of oocytes (ready for spawning ) and a reserve pool. Consequently, P. niger is capable of spawning multiple times throughout the reproductive season. Spawning frequency estimates, based on final oocyte maturation (FOM) method indicated that the species spawns once every 2.8 days during an 8-month spawning season lasting from February to September, with a potential annual number of 22.4 spawns. Batch fecundity (BF) (2132-2001 648, mean 406 010 eggs), was significantly positively related to both standard length (SL) P < 0.05) and ovary-free body weight (OFBW) (P < .0.05), both parameters being good predictors of BF (r2 = 30.8% for SL, from 22 cm onwards, and r2 = 29.6% for OFBW, from 129.5 g onwards). No significant differences in monthly BF were found throughout the spawning season. Relative batch fecundity was 336 eggs/g OFBW; thus, estimate for potential annual relative batch fecundity was 7525 eggs g-1 OFBW. The oocyte diameter-frequency distribution analysis revealed a multimodal distribution (at 100-200, 300-400 and 500-700 µm), confirming the evidence of multiple spawning.enMaturationSpawningFrequencyFecundity parastromateus NigerKuwaitiArticle