Aspects of the Biology of Cryptocentroides arabicus (Actinopterygii, Gobiidae) in Wadi Al-Bahayes, Oman: Population Structure of the Arabian Goby

Abstract

The population structure of endemic species arabian goby Сryptocentroides arabicus in Wadi Al‑Bahayes (Oman) (23°40′47″ N; 58°11′36″ E) was investigated using 259 fish sampled in August 2020 and August 2021. In this study, the growth and reproductive traits of C. arabicus were investigated. The length-weight relationship and Von Bertalanffy growth equation were as follows: W = 0.0271L^2.3342, R = 0.8731, Lt = 20.14 (1 – e^{–0.1984(t – 0.053)}). Spawning occurred between March and June. The average fecundity per individual was determined to be 1760 ± 186.5 number/(ind./year). According to the results, the species lives in a wide area in its habitat, although it shows negative allometric growth. Since the other species in the environment, introduce Poecilia latipinna and endemic-predator Aphaniops stoliczkanus, may face the negative effects, the habitat and itself must be protected.