Maturation and spawning of the Indian oil sardine Sardinella longiceps was studied between October 2007 and September 2009 from Sohar along the coast of Sea of Oman. The species spawned during February-March and September-October. The SST did not clearly indicate its influence in gonad development. While males matured (Lm) at 156 mm TL, females matured at 163 mm TL. Females were dominant in the commercial catches and the annual male to female ratio (1: 1.49) was significantly different. Fecundity varied from 22,456 to 61,867 eggs with the average of 40,479 eggs per female. The study indicates that no intervention is needed to regulate the Indian oil sardine fishery along the Sohar coast.

Sardinella longiceps, SST, GSI, Kn, length at maturity, spawning season, sex- ratio, fecundity, Sea of Oman.