Maturity stage Maturity status Maturity description
I Immature Immature fish with ovaries in a pinkish-translucent colour
II Maturing Maturing fish with ovaries in pinkish colour
III Ripening Ripening fish with ovaries in pinkish-yellow colour
IV Ripe Pre-spawning fish with ovaries in orange-pinkish colour with conspicuous superficial blood vessels
V Partial spent Spawning fish with ripe ovaries
VI Running Ovaries yellowish-brown
VII Spent Ovaries loose and flabby