Abstract
This study aims to determine whether Bamboung Marine Protected Area (BMPA) in the Saloum Delta, Senegal, had any effect on reproductive traits of the rough-head sea catfish, Arius latiscutatus (Günther, 1864). The monthly variations in condition factor were similar inside and outside the BMPA. The lowest values of K were 0.75 in both sites and the highest were 0.84 and 0.87 respectively inside and outside the BMPA. The reproductive period mainly occurred from March and July in both sites. The total length at first maturity depended on the sex and the site: 400 mm for females and 448 mm for males inside the BMPA and 419 mm for females and 375 mm for males outside. Inside the BMPA, the absolute fecundity was 29 ± 14 eggs, whereas outside, the absolute fecundity was 22 ± 10 eggs. The BMPA would appear to be the preferred spawning area for A. latiscutatus with a higher reproductive activity and higher fecundity. This study provides an essential knowledge base for defining fishery management plans or updating current conservation measures.