A Preliminary Report of Sexual Development of Fishes in Biloxi Marsh, Louisiana

The investigation of the spawning habits of fishes in the Biloxi Marsh is one of the phases of Project F-8-R. Only those fishes regarded as game species are included in this spawning study-since those which comprise the group known as rough fish are of no significant value to this area as an attraction to sportsmen. The gonad conditions of Spotted seatrout, Atlantic croakers, and Red drum are examined at intervals of three weeks. A 200-yard trammel net is the method used to acquire the fish for this research. Development of the gonads in relation to the seasons of the year will be discussed in this paper to try to establish a peak or climax spawning season for this particular area.