Reproductive cycle of the Cortez angelfish Pomacanthus zonipectus (Gill, 1863) (Pomacanthidae) from the Gulf of California, Mexico

Different aspects of the reproductive biology of the Cortez angelfish Pomacanthus zonipectus were studied between July 1992, and June 1993 at Espíritu Santo Island, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The ovarian and testes development was analyzed using histological techniques. The reproductive cycle was determined and quantitatively analyzed. Five stages of gonadal development were established: resting, developing, ripe, spawning, and spent. P. zonipectus is a partial spawner that reproduces from June to November. The reproductive cycle of P. zonipectus shows a clear seasonally related with the water temperature, and gonadosomatic index. Gametogenesis started when water temperatures began to increase and continued during warmer months (26°C to 30°C). The interval of size at first sexual maturity was 210-220 mm total length.