<div>Background: The success or failure of spawning in any population affects the fishery. Hence, studies on spawning, maturation, fecundity&nbsp;and length at first maturity become essential in drafting management strategies. The detailed information on reproductive traits of Sphyraena obtusata will be helpful in sustainable management and conservation in the study area. 
 
Methods: Three hundred and fifty five specimens of S. obtusata were collected fortnightly from Mangaluru and Malpe fishing harbors during August 2019 to March 2020. Maturity of gonads was examined by macroscopic and histological investigations. Spawning periodicity was worked out based on maturity stages and seasonal gonadosomatic index. Gravimetric method of analysis was employed to evaluate the fecundity from randomly collected samples of gravid females. 
 
Result: Overall sex ratio revealed that the population had significantly higher (p&lt;0.05, X2 test) proportion of females than males. The length at 50% maturity (Lm50) for females and males was estimated at 21.1 and 21.5 cm respectively. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and the availability of matured individuals for both the sexes in various percentage indicated a prolonged breeding period from October to March with peaks in November and December. The absolute fecundity varied from 91,942 eggs (20.0 cm TL) to 1,34,445 eggs (27.0 cm TL) with an average of 1,12,878 &plusmn; 2,984 hydrated oocytes per female.</div>

Sexual Maturity, Spawning Periodicity and Fecundity of Obtuse Barracuda Sphyraena obtusata (Cuvier, 1829) along Karnataka Coast, Southeastern Arabian Sea

Background: Fish, owing to its nutritional attributes, serves as a pivotal component of a wholesome diet. The constituents found in fish, specifically macroelements and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), play a crucial role in promoting human health. This study investigates the fatty acid profiles and macro element contents of economically significant fish species, including garfish (Belone belone), European barracuda (Sphyraena sphyraena) and anglerfish (Lophius piscatorius), with a specific focus on gender-based differences. The research addresses a notable gap in existing literature, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the nutritional quality of these species.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In February 2023, marine fish species, were obtained from the Aegean Sea located between the western and southwestern shores of T&uuml;rkiye and the eastern shores of Greece. A total of fifteen samples, representing each fish species and gender within the sampling area, were collected for the analysis of fatty acids and macro elements. 
 
Result: The findings of this study indicate that, regardless of fish species and gender, the major fatty acids in the SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs classes were palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1n-9) and DHA (C22:6n-3), respectively. The examined species in this study exhibit average macro element levels. While PUFA, EPA and DHA values meet target levels of content for human health and quality food consumption, achieving these levels minimally implies that the studied species lack a rich fatty acid profile compared to those in prior research. Nonetheless, it is concluded that monitoring seasonal variations is essential for a comprehensive understanding of their fatty acid composition.

Sex-based Differences in Fatty Acids and Macro Elements Composition in Garfish, European Barracuda and Anglerfish from Aegean Sea, T&uuml;rkiye