BIOLOGY AND PHENOLOGY OF AMBLYGASTER-SIRM (CLUPEIDAE) IN NEW-CALEDONIA, A SARDINE OF THE CORAL ENVIRONMENT

The biology of the sardine, Amblygaster sirm, is studied from fish caught in the lagoons around New Caledonia. About 500 fishing hauls were carried out between 1980 and 1983. This sardine is a fast-growing, medium sized fish (L(max):24 cm) with a short lifespan. Reproduction takes place from October to December. First maturity is attained when fish reach 1 year of age and at this time their size is about 16-17 cm. Mortality is high and most fish die before the age of 2 years. This phenology compared with other seasonal spawners indicates a tendency towards semelparity.