Evaluating bony structures for ageing and growth parameters of Capoeta banarescui inhabiting the lower Melet River (Ordu,Turkey)

The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of bony structures for age determination. A total of 247 Capoeta banarescui individuals were analyzed. Fish were caught on the lower Melet River between July 2010 and October 2012. Sex ratio was 2.5 : 1. The specimens ranged from 8.1 to 21 cm in total length and 5.07 to 108.93 g in weight. Age determined from vertebrae, scales, asteriscus and lapillus otoliths were variable. The highest percent agreement (PA) (69.2%) and the lowest average percent error (APE) (4.24%) and coefficient of variation (CV) (8.71%) were obtained for vertebrae. Hence, it was determined that the vertebra is the most reliable ageing structure for C. banarescui in the lower Melet River. Females were age I–V years and males I–V years. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was established for females, males, and all individuals, respectively: L_t = 23.9 [1?e^{?0.22 (t+1.89)}], L_t = 21.8 [1?e^{?0.26 (t+1.58)}], L_t = 26.7 [1?e^{?0.17 (t+2.21)}].     

Life history of the nonnative convict cichlid <Emphasis Type="Italic">Amatitlania nigrofasciata</Emphasis> in the Haebaru Reservoir on Okinawa-jima Island,Japan

Life history parameters associated with reproductive biology, age, and growth of the convict cichlid (also known as the zebra cichlid) Amatitlania nigrofasciata, which was introduced into the Haebaru Reservoir on Okinawa-jima Island, were estimated using 437 specimens that ranged from 13.7 to 82.9 mm standard length (SL). Lengths of females at first maturity (SL) and 50% maturity (L ₅₀) were estimated to be 32.2 and 37.3 mm SL, respectively. The spawning period continued throughout the year, with a peak spawning cycle from March to May 2006–2007. Observations of postovulatory follicles and tertiary yolk stage oocytes indicate that convict cichlids spawn multiple times within a year. Female cichlids that hatched during the peak spawning seasons matured after October of the same year. Batch fecundity of females (32.2–61.2 mm SL) ranged from 65 to 345 (mean ± SD = 155 ± 63). Opaque zones along the outer margins of otoliths formed annually. The maximum age of male and female cichlids was 3 years. The von Bertalanffy growth formulae (VBGF) were expressed as L_t = 57.4( 1 - e ^{- 0.78( t + 0.91 )} ) {{\hbox{L}}_{\rm{t}}}{ = 57}{.4}\left( {1 - {e^{ - 0.78\left( {t + 0.91} \right)}}} \right) for females and L_t = 69.5( 1 - e ^{- 1.07( t + 0.24 )} ) {{\hbox{L}}_{\rm{t}}}{ = 69}{.5}\left( {1 - {e^{ - 1.07\left( {t + 0.24} \right)}}} \right) for males. Males grew larger than females beginning from the first year. Certain life history characteristics, such as year-round spawning and early maturation, probably contributed to the successful establishment of the convict cichlid, and this species in particular is thought to adapt and become established quickly upon introduction to freshwater systems on Okinawa-jima Island.     

Using cross-dating techniques to validate ages of aurora rockfish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sebastes aurora</Emphasis>): estimates of age,growth and female maturity

Since fishery management regulations have shifted much of the groundfish trawl effort in the northeastern Pacific from the continental shelf to the slope, fishery impacts on unassessed demersal slope rockfish species like the aurora rockfish (Sebastes aurora) may have increased. Understanding the life history of these species is a critical first step in developing management strategies to protect them from overharvest. In this study we employ cross-dating methods to validate the annual periodicity of growth increments and investigate the age, growth and maturity of aurora rockfish, a species for which life history information is quite limited. Specimens were collected on an opportunistic basis from Oregon commercial landings and from research cruises, over the years 2003–2006. Age was estimated for 438 individuals using otoliths processed via the break-and-burn method. The maximum estimated age was 118 years for females (n = 324) and 81 years for males (n = 114). The von Bertalanffy growth function showed that males grow faster and reach a smaller maximum size than females (males: L _inf = 34, K = 0.09, t ₀ = −1.9; females: L _inf = 37, K = 0.06, t ₀ = −5.5), though both sexes demonstrate relatively slow growth. Visual assessment of ovaries showed that the aurora rockfish is a synchronous spawner with parturition occurring in May and June off Oregon. Female age and length at 50% maturity were calculated at 12.6 years and 26 cm, respectively (n = 307). Maturity and age data provided evidence for a protracted adolescence in this species.     

Age and growth of a sub-Antarctic notothenioid, Patagonotothen ramsayi (Regan 1913), from the Falkland Islands

The Falklands’ rockcod Patagonotothen ramsayi was aged successfully using whole and sectioned otoliths. Marginal increment analysis showed that one opaque and one translucent zone were laid down each year. Counting daily rings in juvenile fish and back calculating to their assumed hatch dates validated the first annulus. Readings taken from scales and otoliths showed good agreement with no significant difference between them (P>0.05). Inter- and intra-reader comparisons also showed good agreement. The maximum estimated age was found to be 14 years and the calculated von Bertalanffy growth curve L _T =33.77(1−e ^{−0.25year(t+1.07)}) showed that P. ramsayi is a relatively slow growing fish that attains 5–6 cm L _T in its first year and after which grows approximately 3 cm per year until 4 years. Males seemed to have a slightly lower growth rate but attained a greater maximum size than females. The formation of annuli in the otoliths of P. ramsayi seems to coincide with periods of high reproductive activity with both peaks in GSI and the prevalence of translucent margins occurring in July.     

Length-based growth,maturity and natural mortality of the cockfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Callorhinchus callorhynchus</Emphasis> (Linnaeus, 1758) off Coquimbo,Chile

The growth rate, reproductive aspects, and natural mortality of chimaeras and ratfish are poorly known. In this study, life-history parameters for cockfish Callorhinchus callorhynchus (Holocephali—Callorhinchidae) are estimated, which is an important fish resource exploited in Chile. Specimens were sampled from the artisanal fishery captures, from November 2006 to November 2007. The standard length (SL) of males fluctuated between 20 and 62 cm, and between 21 and 70 cm for females. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated through length-frequency data analysis using MULTIFAN. The length-weight relationship and von Bertalanffy growth parameters were significantly different for males and females, as well as the length at 50% maturity. For males a model with 5 age-classes was the best, with asymptotic length L _∞ = 52 cm SL, growth coefficient K = 0.473 yr⁻¹, and age at length zero t ₀ = −0.690 yrs. For females the best model was represented by 10 age-classes (L _∞ = 70.3 cm SL, K = 0.193 yr⁻¹, t ₀ = −1.158 yrs) in the length-frequency data sets. Length at 50% maturity of males was estimated in 43.7 cm SL, and in 50.2 cm SL for females. The natural mortality rate fluctuated between 0.42 and 0.82 yr⁻¹ for males and between 0.12 and 0.37 yr⁻¹ for females, depending upon the method used. It is concluded that C. callorhynchus is a species with life-history parameters significantly different between males and females, and such differences should be taken into account in future population dynamics analysis.     

Age and growth of Schizopygopsis younghusbandi younghusbandi in the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, China

Schizopygopsis younghusbandi younghusbandi is an endemic species whose distribution is restricted to the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, being one of the most important commercial fishes in this area. Age and growth of 606 specimens captured between October 2002 and April 2005 were studied. The range in standard length (L) was 65.7–387.3 mm and total weight (W) was 3.3–772.0 g. The relationship between L and W was W = 0.000909L^2.2493 for males and W = 0.000259L^2.4781 for females. Age, determined from anal scales and lapillus otoliths, ranged from 3 to 18 years. The parameters of von Bertalanffy growth functions, estimated by back-calculated length, were L_￥ = 442.7mm  LL_\infty = 442.7mm\;L, k = 0.0738 year⁻¹ and t ₀  = −1.4 year for males, and L_￥ = 471.4mm  LL_\infty = 471.4mm\;L, k = 0.0789 year⁻¹ and t ₀ = 0.2 year for females. Males and females exhibited statistically significant differences in growth. χ ²-test indicated that von Bertalanffy growth functions could well describe the growth of S. y. younghusbandi. The longevities were 39.2 and 38.2 years for males and females, respectively. Growth inflexion points were 10.2 and 12.0 years for males and females, respectively, but 84.8% of the captures were at the smaller ages. So conservation and management schemes for this population should be considered urgently. In addition, we found that populations from the upstream of the Lhasa River, the downstream of the Lhasa River and the middle reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River showed statistically significant differences in growth patterns.     

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.     

Preliminary observations on the life history of the white-streaked grouper, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Epinephelus ongus</Emphasis>, from Okinawa,Japan

A preliminary analysis of 175 specimens of the white-streaked grouper, Epinephelus ongus (Serranidae), was undertaken to determine life history characteristics of the species. Sagittal otoliths, stomachs, and a subsample of gonads were removed to determine age at length, diet, and reproductive strategy. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was used to describe growth in this species and yielded the growth parameters L^∞ = 438.3, K = 0.04334, and t₀ = −8.752. Fish ranged in age from 1 to 20 years. Diet was consistent with other serranid species and included crabs, shrimps, octopi, and fishes. Based on a very limited number of specimens (n = 12), the larger size and older age of males compared to females suggests that E. ongus may be a protogynous hermaphrodite.     

Age, growth and reproduction of the humpback red snapper Lutjanus gibbus off Ishigaki Island, Okinawa

The humpback red snapper Lutjanus gibbus (Lutjanidae) is an important species for fisheries in the Kagoshima and Okinawan region of Japan. The present study estimated the age, growth and reproduction of this lutjanid species in the waters around Ishigaki Island, southern part of Okinawa. An opaque zone was formed on the otolith every year, and this formation correlated with their spawning season; these zones were identified as annual rings. Maximum ages of 21 and 24 years were observed for males and females, respectively. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters clarifying the age–fork length relationship were as follows: L _∞ = 390.5 mm, K = 0.210 year⁻¹ and t ₀ = −1.88 year for males, and L _∞ = 303.4, K = 0.256 year⁻¹ and t ₀ = −3.05 year for females. The main spawning season was estimated as between May and October, since greater values of gonadosomatic index for females as well as maturation oocytes and/or postovulatory follicles were observed during those six months.     

Age,growth, and population structure of the smooth clam <Emphasis Type="Italic">Callista chione</Emphasis> in the eastern Adriatic Sea

The age, growth, and population structure of the smooth clam Callista chione were determined from samples collected by hydraulic dredge and SCUBA at four locations in the eastern Adriatic during 2007 and 2008. The age of 436 clam shells was determined from internal growth lines present in shell sections, and the timing of growth line formation was ascertained from monthly collections of clams to occur between August and September when sea water temperatures were maximal. In addition, age of 30 older individuals was verified with acetate peels of polished and etched shell sections. Differences were apparent in the age structure and growth rates of clams collected from the four locations studied. Von Bertalanffy growth (VBG) curves obtained for clams from these locations were L _t  = 72.4 (1−e^{−0.25(t − 2.68)}) (Rab Island), L _t  = 74.5 (1−e^{−0.15(t + 0.57)}) (Pag Bay), L _t  = 79.3 (1−e^{−0.34(t − 0.97)}) (Cetina estuary), and L _t  = 82.5 (1−e^{−0.11(t + 2.88)}) (Kaštela Bay). The age of the clams ranged between 3 and 44 years; median clam ages were similar at three of the four locations (14, 12, and 12 years, respectively), but was significantly lower in the Cetina estuary (4 years). The VBG growth constants recorded from clams were within the range of values obtained for this species by previous authors. The observed local differences in population structure indicate different levels of exploitation and illustrate the need to establish long-term strategies for a sustainable exploitation of smooth clams in the Croatian Adriatic.     

Use of otoliths to determine age and growth of a tropical flatfish Cyclopsetta querna (Paralichthyidae) from the southeast coast of the Gulf of California, Mexico

Age and growth of the tropical flatfish Cyclopsetta querna were determined from the sagittal otoliths. From yearly marginal growth increment trends, it was concluded that the opaque and hyaline zones were formed annually. The oldest individual was a 43.2-cm (5-year-old) female. No significant differences in length-at-age were found between sexes. The von Bertalanffy growth equation for the entire population was L_t = 60.71 (1 − e ^{(−0.245(t−0.408))}). The life span of these species is short, about 5 years. The otoliths proved a reliable structure to determine age of this species.     

Age and growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Schizothorax waltoni</Emphasis> in the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet,China

Age and growth were studied for Schizothorax waltoni in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, southwest of China, from April 2004 to September 2006. A total of 201 specimens were collected ranging from 110 to 580 mm in standard length (SL). In contrast to other otoliths, sectioned lapillus showed a clear pattern of alternating opaque and hyaline zones. Marginal increment analyses showed that the increments, each composed of one opaque and one hyaline zone, are deposited annually. Opaque edges were prevalent from May to August. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters based on sectioned otolith data were L _t  = 689.8{1 − exp[0.051 (t + 3.275)]} for males, and L _t  = 691.1{1 − exp[0.056 (t + 2.466)]} for females. The slow growth and long life indicate that S. waltoni is vulnerable to overfishing and that harvesting strategies for the species should be conservative.     

A re-examination of the age and growth of sand tiger sharks, Carcharias taurus, in the western North Atlantic: the importance of ageing protocols and use of multiple back-calculation techniques

Age and growth estimates for sand tiger sharks, Carcharias taurus, in the western North Atlantic were derived from 96 vertebral centra collected from sharks ranging from 94 to 277 cm total length (TL), and compared to previously published age and growth data. The oldest female and male sand tiger sharks aged in this study were 17 and 15 years of age, respectively. von Bertalanffy growth parameters derived from vertebral length-at-age data are L _∞ = 295.8 cm TL, k = 0.11 year⁻¹, and t ₀ = −4.2 years for females, and L _∞ = 249.5 cm TL, k = 0.16 year⁻¹, and t ₀ = −3.4 years for males. Sexual maturity is estimated to be 9–10 years for females and 6–7 years for males. Weight-to-length relationships determined for female and male sand tiger sharks in the western North Atlantic are; W = 1.3 × 10⁻⁴ × L ^2.4 (r ² = 0.84, n = 55) and W = 9.0 × 10⁻⁵ × L ^2.5 (r ² = 0.84, n = 47), respectively, and 7.9 × 10⁻⁵ × L ^2.5 (r ² = 0.84) for the sexes combined. Our results show sand tigers possess a slower rate of growth than previously thought. This information is crucial for accurately assessing this population’s ability to recover, and further justifies the need for this species to be fully protected.     

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.     

Longevity and growth efficiency of two deep-dwelling Arctic zoarcids and comparison with eight other zoarcid species from different climatic regions

Our basic knowledge of the ecology, especially the age and growth of polar deep-sea biota is still scarce. This study provides first data about the age and growth of the two abundant Arctic fish species Lycodes frigidus and Lycodes squamiventer (Zoarcidae). Lycodes frigidus was caught at the deeper parts (1,546–3,576 m depth) of the HAUSGARTEN observatory (HG), west of Svalbard. The congener Lycodes squamiventer was caught at two HG stations (1,273–1,546 m) and at the H?kon Mosby Mud Volcano (HMMV, ~1,250 m), a cold seep in the southwestern Barents Sea. Age was determined by sagittal otolith increment analysis. Growth performance was assessed by fitting age–length data to a von Bertalanffy growth equation. Our data suggest that L. frigidus and L. squamiventer attain maximum ages of 33 and 21 years, respectively. Lycodes squamiventer from the HMMV had significantly higher growth rates and their maximum age and length was slightly lower compared to conspecifics from the shallow HG stations. Von Bertalanffy growth equations were L _t  = 58.9 ∗ (1 − e^(−0.042*t)) for L. frigidus, and L _t  = 25.3 ∗ (1 − e^(−0.074*t)) and L _t  = 24.2 ∗ (1 − e^{(−0.099 * t)}) for L. squamiventer from HG and the HMMV, respectively. A comparison of these data with those of eight other zoarcids indicates that growth performances are correlated with temperature: the higher the annual mean temperatures experienced, the higher the growth rates. However, maximum ages decrease with increasing temperatures.     

Age and growth of Lestrolepis japonica (Aulopiformes: Paralepididae) in Kagoshima Bay,southern Japan

 Age and growth of a paralepidid, Lestrolepis japonica, were determined from sagittal otoliths of specimens collected from April 2001 to February 2002 in Kagoshima Bay, southern Japan. Marginal growth increments indicated that the annulus was formed once a year, in August and September. Four groups were recognized, having none, one, two, or three annuli, respectively. Age in months was assigned to each individual on the basis of August as the birth month. The maximum recorded age was 48 months. Growth was expressed by von Bertalanffy's equation, L _t  = 171.91{1 − exp[−0.148(t + 0.403)]}, t being the age in months and L _t the standard length (mm) at age t. Received: July 15, 2002 / Revised: November 18, 2002 / Accepted: December 10, 2002     

On the biological characteristics of Capoeta fusca Nikolskii, 1897 in eastern Iran

It is hypothesized that Capoeta fusca might display specific life‐history traits that differ from other species of this genus. To test this hypothesis a total of 354 specimens of C. fusca (listed by ICUN in the category DD = data deficient) were caught in the Qanat of Shadmehr (a well‐known active man‐made water well system in eastern Iran) on a monthly basis to cover fully the reproductive season from April to October 2007. Based on opercula readings the maximum ages of the population were 5+ years for both sexes. Sizes ranged from 57 to 190 mm total length (weight 2.14–84.76 g). Length‐weight relationship implied that the growth was negatively allometric for males and isometric for females. The von Bertalanffy growth model was estimated as L_t=18.74(1‐e^{?0.33(t+0.473)}) and L_t=22.35(1‐e^{?0.32(t+0.333)}) for males and females, respectively. Sex ratio was 1 : 2.42 in favour of females. The GSI indicated that reproduction of the fish in the qanat system occurred between May and August, with the highest average value of 6.12 for males in June and 9.55 for females in July. Oocyte diameters ranged from 0.30 to 2.05 mm, with a mean value of 0.92 mm. Absolute fecundity ranged between 506 and 22 800 eggs, with a mean of 4961 eggs. Fecundity relative to total weight fluctuated from 34 to 583, with a mean value of 133 eggs per g. Absolute fecundity and oocyte diameter to fish size (length and weight) were significantly correlated.     

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.     

Life history of the river goby Glossogobius callidus (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

The river goby Glossogobius callidus is native to freshwater and estuarine habitats in South Africa. Individuals [21.1–144.4 mm total length (L_T)] were sampled from impoundments in the Sundays River Valley, Eastern Cape, from February 2014 to March 2015. The largest female was 137.2 mm L_T, and the largest male was 144.4 mm L_T. Length-at-50% maturity was 75.2 ± 2.1 mm L_T for males and 76.2 ± 2.0 mm L_T for females. Absolute fecundity was 1028.2 ± 131.7 oocytes per fish, and relative fecundity was 50.1 ± 18.1 oocytes per gram. The spawning season extended from October to December. Fish were aged using sectioned sagittal otoliths. The growth zone periodicity was validated using edge analysis. Longevity was more than 7 years for females and more than 6 years for males. Length-at-age was similar for the two sexes and was best described using the von Bertalanffy growth model as L_t = 74.7(1 − e^{–1.0(t + 0.1)}) mm L_T for the entire population. Using the population age structure, the mortality rate was estimated at 1.3 per year.     

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.