Reproductive biology of Metaschistura cristata in northeastern Iran

The study purpose was to investigate the reproductive biology, growth and length‐weight of the Turkmenian crested loach, Metaschistura cristata, in the Radkan River of northeastern Iran. Age and growth are described for 1029 specimens from January 2009 to December 2010. The sex ratio was 1:1. Maximum age, based on opercula readings, was 6⁺ years for both sexes. Specimens ranged in size from 24 to 98 mm total length and weighed from 0.08 to 7.32 g. The length‐weight relationships were described as W = 0.005166 TL^3.225 (R² = 0.97) for males and W = 0.006192 TL^3.125 (R² = 0.97) for females. Growth was expressed in length and the von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as L_∞ = 354.9 mm, k = 0.0038, t₀ = ?26.82 for males and L_∞ = 339.0 mm, k = 0.0043, t₀ = ?24.88 for females. Growth performance indexes were also estimated as Φ′ = 6.17 for males and Φ′ = 6.20 for females. The gonadosomatic index showed that peak reproduction occurred during April and June, with highest average values of 2.1% for males and 25.3% for females in May. Oocyte diameter ranged from 0.09 to 1.58 mm, with a mean value of 0.54 ± 0.42 mm.     

Life history traits of Aphanius ginaonis Holly, 1929 (Cyprinodontidae) and potential risks of extinction in the Geno hot spring (Iran) population

This study presents some traits of the Aphanius ginaonis life history in the Geno hot spring and explains the potential risks of its extinction. Sampling was from March 2009 to February 2010. A total of 61 males and 71 females were measured (total length) and weighed, with data on reproductive biometry also taken. Growth parameters were determined in addition to weight–length relationships: W (t) = 0.012TL^3.42, R² = 0.96 for females and W (t) = 0.0101TL^3.38, R² = 0.94 for males. A. ginaonis females showed an asymptotic total length (TL_∞) of 53.03 mm; the growth coefficient, K (year^?1) 0.15, t₀ (year) 1.01; and natural mortality coefficient M (year^?1) 0.62. In males the value for TL_∞ was 48.83 mm; for K (year^?1) 0.2, t₀ (year) 0.44; and M (year^?1) 0.49. The relationship between absolute fecundity and fish size (total length, body weight or age) showed a strong correlation to body weight. The A. ginaonis population is threatened with extinction – and a co‐management in cooperation with the local population for strong protection measures is urgently needed.     

Growth and reproduction of Chelidonichthys lucerna (Linnaeus) (Pisces: Triglidae) in the Gulf of Gabès,Tunisia

Growth and reproduction of Chelidonichthys lucerna is reported from Tunisian waters. A total of 286 specimens was collected from landings of bottom trawlers between January 2003 and November 2004. The total length ranged from 16 to 36 cm in females and from 17 to 26 cm in males. Marginal increment analysis of otoliths showed that the translucent zone was laid from October to May and the opaque zone laid from June to September. Females were from 0.5 to 9 years and males from 1 to 7 years old. Growth parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth function were TL_∞ = 40.26; K = 0.06 and t₀ = ?3.03 in females and TL_∞ = 46.16; K = 0.059 and t₀ = ?1.32 in males. The coefficient of the allometric length–weight relationships differed significantly by sex. Females with mature gonads were observed between October and May, with peaks in January and February. Length at which 50% of specimens were mature was 21.6 cm TL (estimated age about 3 years) in females and 19.2 cm TL (estimated age about 1.5 years) in males.     

Growth characteristics of Uranoscopus scaber Linnaeus 1758, inhabiting the Iskenderun Bay (Northeastern Mediterranean)

This study aimed to determine the age and some growth characteristics of Atlantic stargazer (Uranoscopus scaber) from Iskenderun Bay (Northeastern Mediterranean). For this purpose, a total of 150 Atlantic stargazer ranging in size from 9.1 to 28.0 cm in total length (weight: 11.7–345.7 g) were collected as by-catch from a commercial trawl fishing boat at a depth of 80–100 m between May 2015 and January 2016. The bottom trawl gear used was equipped with a 44 mm stretched mesh size net at the cod-end. The percentage of females and males were 46.7% and 53.3% respectively. The total length–weight relationships equation with coefficient of determination (R²) were found as W = 0.011*TL^3.131, R² = .9728, for all individuals, W = 0.015*TL^3.021, R² = .9512 for females and W = 0.0102*TL^3.136, R² = .9553 for males. By using the von Bertalanffy equation, the growth parameters of Atlantic stargazer were estimated to be L_∞ = 42.35 cm, k = 0.098, t₀ = −1.8474 for all individuals; L_∞ = 36.92 cm, k = 0.138, t₀ = −1.2693 for females and L_∞ = 38.77 cm, k = 0.1, t₀ = −2.334 for males. In this study, age reading was done by two independent readers and index of average percentage error (IAPE) was calculated as 6.1%. The highest condition factor value calculated as 1.81 in the age group 6 and the lowest condition factor value was calculated as 1.48 in the age group 1.     

A study on age and growth characteristics of spiny gurnard (Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei Blanc & Hureau, 1973), northeastern Mediterranean Sea

This study investigated the age and growth characteristics of spiny gurnard, Lepidotrigla dieuzeidei, from the northeastern Mediterranean. Samples were collected by commercial trawls during the 2012–2013 fishing seasons. A total 1,878 speciments ranged from 7.10 to 15.90 cm total length and 2.28–35.88 g in weight. Female/male ratio was 1.2/1. The total length–weight relationship was W = 0.002 TL^3.579 (r² = .909) for sexes combined, W = 0.0021 TL^3.551 (r² = .914) for males and W = 0.0019 TL^3.602 (r² = .904) for females. Age determination was conducted using the sagittal otoliths. Ages of examined individulas ranged from 3 to 11 years. Total length‐at‐age data were fitted using the von Bertalanffy growth model. Estimated growth functions were TL_t = 18.100 [1?e^{?0.14 (t + 0.63)}] for sexes combined, TL_t = 23.587 [1?e^{?0.08 (t + 1.56)}] for males and TL_t = 16.612 [1?e^{?0.19 (t + 0.15)}] for females.     

Length–weight relationships of wild and farmed Tor putitora from Pakistan

Length–weight relationships (W = a TL^b) were estimated for wild and farmed Tor putitora obtained from River Korang, Islamabad and Attock District, Pakistan, respectively. The results indicate, W = 0.0171 TL^2.85 for wild and W = 0.1000 TL^2.33 for farmed. Total length ranged from 18.0 to 40.2 cm for male and 31.6 to 37.0 cm for female wild Tor putitora, indicating that the fish are now much smaller. The first reference of length–weight relationships for Tor putitora is provided.     

Age,growth, reproduction and feed of longnosed skate,Dipturus oxyrinchus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Saros Bay,the north Aegean Sea

The age, growth, reproduction, and feeding of longnosed skate (Dipturus oxyrinchus) were studied using 179 specimens from the Saros Bay (North Aegean Sea) between March 2005 and December 2007. Composition was 49.7% females and 50.3% males. Total length of females ranged from 14.9 to 100 cm (disc width, 9.8–65 cm), and of males from 15.2 to 86.5 cm (disc width, 10–57.5 cm). Total length‐weight and disc width‐weight relationships are described by the equations W = 0.0008*TL^3.35 and W = 0.0043*DW^3.29, respectively. The age data, derived from vertebrae readings, were used to estimate the growth parameters of the von Bertalanffy equation: L_∞ = 256.46 cm, K = 0.04 year^?1, t₀ = ?1.17year. The maximum age was 9 years. Males matured at 64–65 cm (disc width, 43.5 cm) and females at 82–83 cm TL (disc width, 53 cm). The stomach contained mainly Parapenaus longirostris, IRI: 93.47%.     

Population Dynamic of the Mudskipper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Periophthalmus waltoni</Emphasis> Koumans, 1941 from the Bay of Hormozgan Province,Persian Gulf

We studied the population structure and reproductive biology of the mudskipper Periophthalmus waltoni Koumans, 1941, living on the mudflats of bay of Hormozgan province, Persian Gulf. The specimens were haphazardly and monthly collected from August 2008 to July 2009. A total of 2060 fishes was sampled, sexed 690 of which 221 (32%) were males, and 469 (68%) females. The total length (TL) and weight relationship demonstrated growth in both sexes was isometric with the function W = 0.0078TL^3.06. The asymptotic length (L∞) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated as 16.5 cm and 0.75 yr^–1, respectively. Age of the fish at zero length (to) was calculated–0.35 and the longevity was attained 3.65 year. The estimated Von Bertalanffy function was TL_(t) = 16.5[1–exp(–0.75(t + 0.35))]. Natural mortality (M) was estimated 1.74 yr^–1. Four cohorts were distinguished annuallywith mean of TL = 7.35, 10.17, 12.74 and 13.92 cm. The maximum recruitment rate was in January at 17.5%. The overall sex ratio (F: M) (1: 0.49) was significantly different than 1: 1. The peak of the gonadosomatic index (GSI) occurred in February. The size at onset of sexual maturity (LM₅₀)wasestimated at TL = 12 cm. The mean of absolute and relative fecundity were estimated as 3558 ± 2203 and 257 ± 101 eggs, respectively.     

Morphometric relationship of length–weight and chelae length–width of eastern white river crayfish (Procambarus acutus acutus, Girard, 1852), under culture conditions

Length–weight (TL vs WWT) and chelae length–width (ChL vs ChW) relationships were described for juveniles, males and females, and for form I and form II males of Procambarus acutus acutus. The length–weight relationships for juveniles, form I, form II males, and females could be described as: WWT = 5 × 10⁻³ TL^3.09, WWT = 6 × 10⁻³ TL^3.61, WWT = 6 × 10⁻⁹ TL^3.26, and WWT = 6 × 10⁻⁴ TL^3.5, respectively. In all forms, growth was allometric (P < 0.05). The ancova test indicated that slopes and intercepts of the length–weight regressions were significantly different between sex and sexual stages. The regressions for chelae length–width relationships for form I and form II males, and females were: ChW = −0.81 + 0.27CL, ChW = −0.33 + 0.25CL, and ChW = −0.82 + 0.32CL, respectively. Although the slope and intercepts of regressions for ChL and ChW were similar for those of form I and form II males, the slopes and intercepts of regressions of females were significantly different from form I and form II males. No statistical difference was observed in mean ChL between form II males and females (P > 0.05), but a significant difference was detected in mean ChL between form I and form II males (P < 0.05) and form I and females (P < 0.05). Form I males had longer ChL than form II males and females. The same trend was observed in mean ChW for form I and form II males, but a significant difference was detected between form II males and females (P < 0.05). In addition, results indicated that chelae lengths and widths increased allometrically with total length (TL) for both sex and sexual stages.     

Age,growth and maturity of tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucerna Linnaeus 1758; Triglidae) in the inshore coastal waters of Northwest Wales,UK

The tub gurnard Chelidonichthys lucerna has been identified by ICES as a potential commercial species in the northeast Atlantic with recommendations made to monitor landings and discards and to derive information on population biology for stock assessment purposes, however, data are lacking for the species in the northeast Atlantic. Therefore, aims of this study were to provide data on the size/age‐structure and patterns of growth, maturity and mortality of C. lucerna in Northwest Wales, UK, and in doing so to provide data on the biological characteristics of the most northerly population studied to date for comparison with the existing data for southerly Mediterranean populations. Data on the age, growth and maturity of C. lucerna were collected by otter trawling (73 mm cod‐end stretched mesh size) in the coastal waters of Northwest Wales, UK in October (2000–2011, excluding 2006). Total length (TL) of fish sampled ranged between 10.5–41.0 cm (males) and 10.4–57.5 cm (females). The majority of the female fish were between 20–30 cm TL (60.2%) and the majority of the male fish between 20–30 cm TL (58.3%) respectively. TL/weight (W) relations for male and female fish were similar and the combined data was described by W = 0.0067 TL^3.10. Age of fish ranged between 1–7 years old for female fish and 1–5 years old for male fish respectively with the majority of female fish 3 years old (40%) and the majority of male fish 3 years old (37%). The age structures of female and male tub gurnards were not significantly different with the older age classes consisting predominantly of female fish. Both males and females exhibited similar asymptotic growth patterns and the combined von Bertalanffy growth function was TL_t = 51.6 (1 ? e ^{[?0.25(t + 0.41)]}). Instantaneous rates of total mortality were calculated as 1.04 year^?1 for males and 1.11 year^?1 for females. The size (L₅₀) and age at first maturity (A₅₀) were estimated to be 29.1 cm TL and 2.8 years for males, 27.7 cm TL and 2.7 years for females and 28.0 cm TL and 2.8 years for both sexes combined. The results of this study provide the first information on the biology and population dynamics of C. lucerna in the Irish Sea, the first data collected in the northeast Atlantic since 1985 and the most northerly population studied to date.     

Life history characteristics of an invasive cyprinid fish (Carassius gibelio) in Chimaditis Lake (northern Greece)

The life history characteristics of an invasive cyprinid fish, the Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) were examined in Lake Chimaditis (northern Greece). The population is dominated by females that are able to reproduce gynogenetically. Fish samples were collected using trammel nets from August 2004 to July 2005. Their total length (TL) ranged between 21.9 and 37.0 cm. The length–weight relationship was W = 0.0336TL^2.81 (r² = 0.92, n = 600) and the mean Fulton condition factor exhibited monthly variation from 0.172 (May) to 0.186 (August). According to the annual growth marks present, the lifespan of the Prussian carp in Lake Chimaditis is 6 years. The growth parameters were estimated as L_∞ = 34.46 cm, K = 0.297 year^?1, t₀ = ?1.994 year. Absolute fecundity (F_A) ranged between 26 000 and 176 600 oocytes (mean = 66990) and relative fecundity between 78 and 251 oocytes per gram of total weight (mean = 158). Absolute fecundity increased exponentially with length (F_A = 0.286 × TL^3.66, r² = 0.66) and weight (F_A = 17.93 × W^1.36, r² = 0.73) of the fish.     

Age and growth of Monopterus albus Zuiew, 1793 (Synbranchidae)

Age and growth of Monopterus albus (Zuiew, 1787) in Lake Nanhu, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, were studied from January to December 2007. A total of 418 samples were collected ranging from 18 to 86 cm total length (TL). Among these samples, ages of female were 1 ⁺ –5 ⁺ years while males were 3 ⁺ –9 ⁺ years as estimated by basihyal. The length–weight relationships and the von Bertalanffy growth curve were described for all individuals as: W_T = (2 × 10^?7) TL^3.2366 and L_t = 104.1{1‐e^{?0.108 (t + 1.625)}}. To the best knowledge of the authors, this study presents the first reference on the relationship between age and growth of this species for the management of fishery resources.     

Life‐history characteristics of the endangered Aristotle’s catfish (Silurus aristotelis Garman, 1890), Lake Pamvotis,north‐western Greece

The life history characteristics of Aristotle’s catfish, Silurus aristotelis (Agassiz 1856) were studied in Lake Pamvotis (northwestern Greece). Samples were collected on a monthly basis using gillnets, trammel‐nets and traps. Total lengths ranged from 11.1 to 36.7 cm. Sex ratio was biased toward females (F : M = 1.8 : 1) and was statistically different from unity (χ² = 46.94, P < 0.001). Spawning is from April to June. The relationship between total length and total weight showed positive allometric growth for males (TW = 0.0035 × TL^3.21, r² = 0.93, n = 198, P < 0.001) and females (TW = 0.0066 × TL^3.02, r² = 0.95, n = 363, P < 0.001). Age was determined on the annual growth marks formed on the spine of the pectoral fin. Based on cross‐section readings of the spine, lifespan of the Aristotle’s catfish was 5 years. Age classes 1 and 2 dominated the catches (39.1 and 40.0% of the total sample, respectively). Back‐calculated lengths at age showed a rapid increase in fish size during the first year of life, reaching 61.1% of maximum attainable length, and a declining growth rate thereafter. Growth parameters were calculated as L_∞ = 36.12 cm, K = 0.37 year^?1, t₀ = ?0.76 year based on the observed lengths at age and as L_∞ = 28.19 cm, K = 0.53 year^?1, t₀ = ?0.62 year based on the back‐calculated lengths at age. It seems that some of the life history traits (longevity, growth pattern, reproductive period) are influenced significantly by adverse effects of pollution and eutrophication on the lacustrine ecosystem.     

Age,growth and reproduction in creole perch (Percichthys trucha) in the Negro River,Argentinean Patagonia

Age, growth and reproductive characteristics of creole perch, Percichthys trucha, were investigated in the Negro River, southern Argentina from samples collected seasonally, December 1994–December 1995. Age was estimated via scale and whole otolith reading methods. Total length (n = 413) ranged from 103 to 432 mm, and weight from 12 to 1042 g. Significant differences between the length‐weight relationships of males and females were detected (P < 0.05). Isometric growth was observed in juveniles and males, whereas total population and females exhibited positive allometric growth. The marking pattern in scales and otoliths followed an annual rhythm, with the formation of only one annulus in scales and only one hyaline band in otoliths during autumn‐winter. The oldest males were 5 years old whereas maximum age in females was 12 years from scales and 15 years from otoliths. Because scales were found to underestimate age in individuals older than 4 years, otoliths were considered to be the best structures for creole perch age determination. Gompertz growth parameters based on otolith data were L∞: 428.0 mm, k = 0.46 and t₀ = 0.43 for total population (r = 0.90), L∞: 410.7 mm, k = 0.42 and t₀ = 0.46 for males (r = 0.91), and L∞: 434.1 mm, and k = 0.49 and t₀ = 0.43 for females (r = 0.91). Lengths at first maturity (TL₅₀) were 260 and 241 mm in males and females, respectively, both of which corresponded to ages between 1 and 2 years. Macroscopic gonad inspection and the high percentage of juveniles captured during summer indicated that spawning begins at the end of spring.     

Age,growth and reproduction of the sand smelt Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810 in Mellah Lagoon (Eastern Algeria)

This aim of this paper was the study of the reproductive biology and growth of the sand smelt, Atherina boyeri, in Mellah Lagoon (Algeria). These data are important for the sustainable exploitation of the stocks of this species. Examined was a total of 1402 Atherina boyeri specimens captured monthly from March 2010 to March 2011, in a population with a 3‐year life cycle. Length–weight relationship was estimated as W = 0.0047 L^3.077 (r² = 0.935) for males and W = 0.0047 L^3.176 (r² = 0.935) for females. Using scales, the von Bertalanffy growth function fitted to back‐calculated size‐at‐age data was Lt = 9.49 [1 ? e^{?0.316 (t + 0.928)}] for males, and Lt = 11.67 [1 ? e^{?0.179 (t + 1.514)}] for females; using otoliths this was Lt = 9.68 [1 ? e^{?0.3 (t + 1.02)}] for males, and Lt = 11.93 [1 ? e^{?0.171 (t + 1.55)}] for females. The growth performance index (Φ) indicated that males (Φ_scales = 3.34, Φ_otoliths = 3.33) grew at the same rate as females (Φ_scales = 3.19, Φ_otoliths = 3.24), with a sex ratio of 1 : 1.6 in favor of females. The reproductive season extended from February to June. Individual length at first sexual maturity was 4.20 cm for 1‐year‐old males and 4.35 cm for 1‐year‐old females.     

Age and growth of damselfish Chromis notata (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843), Jeju Island,Korea

This study investigated the age and growth of damselfish, Chromis notate, from Jeju Island in Korea. Samples were collected monthly by lift net from September 2013 to August 2014. Total lengths of the damselfish ranged from 6.4 to 15.3 cm. The relationship between total length and wet weight was WW = 0.0125TL^3.1631 for females, and WW = 0.0091TL^3.2769 for males. The slopes in the relationship between length and weight were not significantly different between sexes, but were significantly different in the intercepts. There were more female than male specimens (1.3:1). Age determination was conducted using the otoliths. Marginal increment (MI) declined in summer and winter, which suggests that two rings are formed each year. Ages of sampled individuals ranged from 1 to 5 years. Length‐at‐age data were fitted using the von Bertalanffy growth model. The estimated growth functions were L_t = 19.93 [1 ? exp^{?0.21 (t + 0.811)}] total length and wet weight was females, and L_t = 16.47 [1 ? exp^{?0.32 (t + 0.499)}] for males.     

Age and growth of the sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus, in Hawaiian waters through vertebral analysis

Age and growth estimates were determined for the sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus, from Oahu, Hawaii in the central Pacific Ocean. Age estimates were obtained through vertebral centra analysis of 187 sharks. We verified our age estimates through marginal increment analysis of centra and oxytetracycline marking methods of at liberty sandbar sharks. Sizes of sampled sharks ranged from 46 to 147 cm pre-caudal length. Four growth models were fitted to length-at-age data; two forms of the von Bertalanffy growth model, the Gompertz growth model, and a logistic growth model. Males and females exhibited statistically significant differences in growth, indicating that females grow slower and attain larger sizes than males. Growth parameter estimates revealed slower growth rates than previously estimated (based on captive specimens) for Hawaiian sandbar sharks. The von Bertalanffy growth model using empirical length-at-birth provided the best biological and statistical fit to the data. This model gave parameter estimates of L _∞ = 138.5 cm PCL and k = 0.12 year⁻¹ for males and L _∞ = 152.8 cm PCL, k = 0.10 year⁻¹ for females. Male and female sandbar sharks mature at approximately 8 and 10 years of age, respectively.     

Age, growth and reproductive characteristics of chub, Leuciscus cephalus (L., 1758) in the İkizcetepeler dam lake (Balikesir), Turkey

In this study, the population structure, growth and reproduction characteristics of 414 chub (Leuciscus cephalus L., 1758) from the ?kizcetepeler dam lake were investigated monthly between January and December 2000. Age groups ranged between I and VI for this species in the reservoir, with the second and third year‐classes dominating. Sex ratio was 1 : 1.4 (M : F), corresponding to 58.4% males and 41.6% females. Females attained greater size and age than males. The largest female captured was 24.8 cm FL, the largest male was 24.1 cm FL, both age VI. The von Bertalanffy growth equations and length–weight relationships were found as: L_t = 28.89[1 ?e^{?0.224(t+1.55)}] for females, L_t = 26.71[1 ? e^{?0.259(t+1.55)}] for males; W_t = 347.386[1?e^{?0.224h (t+1.55)}]^2.86 for females, W_t =286.48[1?e^{?0.259 (t+1.55)}]^2.92 for males; W = 0.0227 × L^2.87 for females and W = 0.0194 × L^2.92 for males. Significant statistical differences in condition factors between age classes and sexes were not found (P > 0.05, t‐test). Spawning period of this species in the lake was between April and May.     

Age and growth of the blackchin guitarfish Glaucostegus cemiculus (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1817) from Iskenderun Bay (Northeastern Mediterranean)

Between September 2010 and June 2012, a total 291 (166 females and 125 males) blackchin guitarfish Glaucostegus cemiculus were captured by a commercial bottom trawler (F/V Coşkun Reis) in Iskenderun Bay, Turkey (northeastern Mediterranean Sea). The total length (L) and total weight (W) of the female and male guitarfish ranged between 32.0–165.0 cm and 88 g–16.68 kg, and 34.3–128.3 cm and 112 g–6.00 kg, respectively. Vertebral age estimates ranged from 0 to 8 years for females and 0 to 5 years for males. The growth models of von Bertanlanffy and Gompertz were fitted to the length at age data using the nonlinear regression method. Model selection was based on the values of the residual standard error and the Akaike's information criterion corrected for small sample size (AIC_C) associated with each fit. The von Bertalanffy growth model provided the best fitting growth curves for each sex with parameters reaching L_∞ = 187.17 cm, K = 0.195 year^-1, t₀ = −1.38 year for females, and L_∞ = 144.85 cm, K = 0.321 year^-1, t₀ = −1.13 year^-1 for males. The W–L relationship parameters did not differ significantly between sexes, the estimated values of a and b were 0.0018 and 3.11, respectively. By using these values of a and b, and also respective estimates of L_∞, the values of W_∞ were obtained as 20.53 kg for females and 9.25 kg for males. The overall percentage ratios of females and males in the samples were 57% and 43% respectively.     

Age structure and multi-model growth estimation of longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus (Dasyatidae: Myliobatoidei) from north-east Brazil

We collected 729 Hypanus guttatus from the northern coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte (RN), of which 196 were used to estimate age and growth. Ninety-five were male (12.7 to 57.0 cm disc width; W_D) and 101 were female (13.0 to 88.5 cm W_D); females were significantly larger than males. Cross sections of vertebrae showed band-pairs ranging from 0 to > 14 in females and from 0 to 9 in males. New-borns presented an opaque edge at birth in vertebrae without a birthmark. The average percentage of error (APE; %E) for the entire sample provided evidence that ages were repeatable. The mean monthly marginal increment (I_M) indicates annual band-pair formation from August to November. The annual cycle model for one band-pair deposition provided the best fit to data based on the AIC, with peaks between August and October, similar to that found in the I_M analysis, suggesting an annual formation pattern. A multi-model approach that included four models based on the observed mean W_D at age indicated a modified von Bertalanffy growth model as the best for describing the species growth: W₀ (W_D at birth) = 14.6 cm for both sexes; females W_∞ = 98.61 cm (95% CI = 87.34–114.61 cm); k = 0.112 year⁻¹ (CI = 0.086–0.148 year⁻¹); males W_∞ = 60.22 cm (CI = 55.66–65.35 cm); k = 0.219 year⁻¹ (CI = 0.185–0.276 year⁻¹). The age-at-maturity in males and females is 5 years and 7 years, respectively. The age composition shows that most (84%) specimens were aged 0 to 2 years. The information provided here is essential for analytical assessments of H. guttatus, which is subject to significant fishing pressure mainly on new-borns and juveniles.