Some properties reproductive of the speckled shrimp (Metapenaeus monoceros Fabricius, 1798) in the North-eastern Mediterranean

Speckled shrimp (metapenaeus monoceros), is a commercially important prawn in the embayments and estuaries of the mediterranean sea. it is originally a lessepsian species which had migrated from the red sea into the mediterranean sea through the suez canal. this study was carried out in the north-eastern mediterranean sea between november 2009 and october 2010 with monthly sampling of speckled shrimps, by bottom trawl operations. totally 784 specimens of this shrimp were studied, and the male/female ratio was determined as 1:1.4. the minimum size at first maturity for females was measured as 74 mm tl, and 50% of the female population were mature at about 110 mm (tl50%). it was also determined that female shrimps had developed their eggs between june to october, with two peak spawning periods between june-july, and august and october.