Globally, human population is increasing and therefore there is need for diversification of aquatic food sources to meet the demand. Capture fisheries are declining due to climate change impacts, over exploitation and use of poor fishing methods. Aquaculture stands out as the focus to address he gap in aquatic food systems production though there are limitations in freshwater aquaculture due to the limited number of species farmed and competition of water with agriculture thus the focus on marine aquaculture. In sub-Saharan Africa, only a small number of marine fish species have been brought into aquaculture hence the need to understanding the biology and preference of other potential species. Lethrinus mahsena (Forsskal, 1775) and L. harak (Forsskal, 1775) are widely distributed in the coastal waters of the Indo-Pacific region. They are important commercial and recreational fishery and are key to the livelihoods of artisanal fishing communities. This study was conducted at Bofa, Old ferry and Takaungu landings sites in Kilifi County over a period of three months (December- February). Biometric data was collected at the field while gonad analysis was undertaken in the laboratory at Pwani University. The length weight relationship in L. mahsena and L. harak showed isometric growth in both sexes, with females significantly larger than males in both species. Most individuals were at maturity stage II with a few observed at stages III and IV. In L. mahsena, female body size showed no significant correlation with fecundity, whereas in males, body size was positively correlated with gonad size. In contrast, L. harak exhibited a positive correlation between fish size and fecundity in females as well as fish size and gonadal weight in males. Regarding fish health and reproductive potential, the condition factor (K) in L. mahsena was positively associated with oocyte count in females but not in males while L. harak, female condition factor was positively correlated with body size but not in males. The findings indicate that it’s possible to collect mature brood-stock for hatchery breeding purposes although between December and February the maturity rate is lower. Further, the results obtained provides useful information to guide improved brood stock selection and breeding strategies for sustainable cultivation of the two species.
Key words: Lethrinus spp., Reproduction, Characteristics, Aquaculture