Biological characteristics of the lessepsian pufferfishLagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) off Lebanon

Abstract

Lagocephalus sceleratus is a Lessepsian species that was first recorded in the Mediterranean Sea in 2003. It has rapidly invaded the Eastern basin of the Mediterranean and has established thriving populations exerting pressure on the surrounding habitat and causing serious damage to the fisheries sector. In this study, L. sceleratus specimens were bought directly from fishermen over a period of 19 months, from January 2011 until July 2012. The result of the sex ratio shows that there is a significant difference between males and females, with females predominating over males (p < 0.05). Furthermore, L. sceleratus has been demonstrated to spawn between May and August off the Lebanese coast with a length at first maturity recorded at 40 cm. It mainly feeds on fish, but its diet is made of a wide range of other organisms, with food intensity recorded to be lowest in March and highest in April and May. Biological characteristics of the Lessepsian pufferfish Lagocephalus sceleratus (Gmelin, 1789) off Lebanon. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292802149_Biological_characteristics_of_the_Lessepsian_pufferfish_Lagocephalus_sceleratus_Gmelin_1789_off_Lebanon [accessed Jan 08 2018].