Biological studies on juvenile fish of Siganus rivulatus (Forsskal 1775) in Port-Said fishing harbour, Egypt

A total of 999 specimens of Siganus rivulatus were collected from trash catches of small beach seine operating in the Port Said fishing harbour at the entrance of the Suez Canal during the period from January to December 1997. The species constituted 20.1% of the trash catch and about 4 - 5% of the total catch of the gear. The juveniles of S. rivulatus could stay at the nursery grounds from October till April, and be recruited from October till December. The length-weight relationships, as well as the condition factor of the juvenile fish, were studied. The feeding activities were quite high in winter months. From May to September, juveniles of S. rivulatus appear to be exclusively deposit feeders in most months, feeding mainly on algae and molluscs.