• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.306-317
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• 2007

Reproductive cycle with the gonad developmental phases, first sexual maturity, spawning frequency, sex ratio of the dusky mud hopper, Periophthalmus modestus were investigated by histological observations. Monthly variations of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) began to increase in May and reached a maximum in June when the gonad was getting mature during the period of higher ground (water) temperature-long day length. Changes in the GSI showed a negative correlation to the HSI, but coincided with the fatness index. The reproductive cycle can be classified into five successive stages: in female, early growing stage (April to May), late growing stage (April to May), mature stage (May to June), ripe and spent stage (June to August), and recovery and resting stage (August to March); in males, growing stage (April to May), mature stage (May to June), ripe and spent stage (June to August), and recovery and resting stage (August to March); According to the frequency distributions of egg diameters during the breeding season, Periophthalmus modestus is presumed to be a summer breeder, asynchronous group and polycyclic species to spawn 2 times or more during the spawning season. Total eggs and mature eggs in absolute fecundity and relative fecundity (per cm) increased with the increase of body length. Total eggs and mature eggs in absolute fecundity and relative fecundity (per g) did not increase with the increase of body weight. Percentages of first sexual maturity of females and males ranging from 5.1 to 5.5 cm in body length are over 50%, and 100% for fish over 7.1 cm in body length. The sex ratios of females to males over 5.1 cm in body length were not significantly different from a 1 : 1 sex ratio.