Life history traits of the striped seabream Lithognathus mormyrus (Pisces,Sparidae) from two coastal fishing grounds in the Strait of Sicily

Striped seabream Lithognathus mormyrus [n = 1269; total lengths (TLs) = 112–350 mm] were investigated in two coastal Sicilian fishing grounds (central Mediterranean Sea). Samples were collected from the two landing harbours, Licata and Selinunte, between October 1999 and September 2000. Seasonal and spatial variations in population structure, age, growth, reproduction and mortality were studied. It was found that seasonal differences in the main modes of length–frequency distributions corresponded well with the seasonal growth. The recruits in Licata grew faster and attained a larger size (by 10–20 mm) at ages up to 2 years than in Selinunte. Growth thereafter was relatively slow, with Selinunte specimens growing at a slightly faster rate. Spawning occurred between June and August. Length at the first maturity was different between females and males in the Selinunte (190–181 mm) and Licata (183–171 mm) fishing grounds. The species displayed protandrous hermaphroditism, and somatic growth practically ceased during the period of sex inversion. Total fishing mortality was considerably higher in Licata (F between 0.53 and 0.63 per year) than in Selinunte (F between 0.22 and 0.29 per year). Therefore it is suggested that the striped seabream population in Licata is more vulnerable to overfishing than that in Selinunte.     

Growth and survivorship as proximate causes of sexual size dimorphism in peninsula dragon lizards Ctenophorus fionni

Males and females differ in body size in many animals, but the direction and extent of this sexual size dimorphism (SSD) varies widely. Males are larger than females in most lizards of the iguanian clade, which includes dragon lizards (Agamidae). I tested whether the male larger pattern of SSD in the peninsula dragon lizard, Ctenophorus fionni, is a result of sexual selection for large male size or relatively higher mortality among females. Data on growth and survivorship were collected from wild lizards during 1991–1994. The likelihood of differential predation between males and females was assessed by exposing pairs of male and female lizards to a predator in captivity, and by comparing the frequency of tail damage in wild‐caught males and females. Male and female C. fionni grew at the same rate, but males grew for longer than females and reached a larger asymptotic size (87 mm vs. 78 mm). Large males were under‐represented in the population because they suffered higher mortality than females. Predation may account for some of this male‐biased mortality. The male‐biased SSD in C. fionni resulted from differences in growth pattern between the sexes. The male‐biased SSD was not the result of proximate factors reducing female body size. Indeed SSD in this species remained male‐biased despite high mortality among large males. SSD in C. fionni is consistent with the ultimate explanation of sexual selection for large body size in males.     

Onset of maturity in male southern rock lobsters Jasus edwardsii in Tasmania,Australia

Summary

The reproductive contribution of male southern rock lobsters Jasus edwardsii has recently become of interest for managing this fishery as changes to the length of seasonal closures have shifted fishing effort towards males. To assess size at onset of maturity, a total of 387 male southern rock lobsters Jasus edwardsii were collected using baited traps from four of the eight fishery regions around the Tasmanian coast during July and August 2000. Sizes at onset of maturity in these samples were estimated by examining the vasa deferentia for evidence of the commencement of spermatid production. In addition, the total combined weight of the vasa deferentia and testis was compared with body size (as a gonad somatic index, GSI). Estimates of size at onset of maturity from the two methods were similar, although estimates from GSI appeared to have broader confidence limits. Although these physiological indices of maturity do not necessarily translate to functional maturity, they indicate that maturity is well below that of the legal minimum size of 110 mm carapace length used for managing the fishery (all estimates by either method for length at 50% sample maturity ≤70 mm carapace length). Production of sperm by males occurs below the size at onset of maturity of females from the same region and spatial patterns in maturity estimated by onset of spermatid production were similar to those of females.     

Freshwater goby life history in a Mediterranean stream

The Italian goby Gobius nigricans is a running-water-dwelling species inhabiting the Tuscano-Latium district and threatened by several human activities. Many aspects of its biology are currently unknown, such as the dynamic potentialities. Since age determination and dynamic assessment are considered an important tool for a correct management strategy, we aimed to investigate some aspects of the Italian goby life history by applying the fish stock assessment principles, collecting data on fertility, population structure (age-class number), growth (i.e., curvature parameter and asymptotic length), mortality (natural and due to the fishing), and longevity of a central Italian goby population to know the status and dynamic properties of the Italian goby in Mediterranean river systems and to provide a baseline for comparison with other populations. Females are subject to a strong selective pressure to quickly reach a small size to optimize reproductive output, while acquisition of a large size favored males for a more easy access to breeder females (the asymptotic length was higher in males than in females). Moreover, appreciable between-sex differences were found in both growth pattern (the growth rate was lower in females than in males) and dynamic potentialities. In particular, the mortality rate was lower in females, whereas the longevity was slightly lower in males, although the two sexes showed similar values for the two latter properties. There is considerable scope for further work on the G. nigricans growth and other freshwater gobies because information on population and dynamic properties, and assessment of factors affecting growth are still very insufficient. Handling editor: P. Viaroli     

Dana swimming crab growth Callinectes danae (Decapoda: Portunidae) from Margarita Island, Venezuela

Callinectes danae is a common species captured with crab traps in nearby areas of coastal lagoons in Margarita Island. Although its considerable economic importance as a fishery resource, few studies have been done on population dynamics and its fishery potential in local coastal environments to support decision making in fishery administration. We present growth pattern details of Callinectes danae to better estimate its population size and exploitation feasibility. For this, we analyzed a total of 3 623 specimens that were monthly captured in crab pots by artisanal fishermen in Las Marites lagoon, from October 2007 to September 2008. The length-weight ratio was determined, and growth parameters estimated from both length and weight curves of the von Bertalanffy model. The general sex ratio showed no significant difference between males and females (chi2 = 0.04, p > 0.05). However, values of slopes b between males and females were significantly different (t(s) = 2.75, p < 0.05), as well as intercepts a (t(s) = 2.44, p < 0.05). Thus, the length-weight ratio was determined separately: W = 7.48e(-5)*L(2.98) for males and W = 1.21e(-4)*L(2.87) for females, indicating a negative allometric growth in both sexes. Growth parameters were established as: L(infinity) =134.80mm, W(infinity) = 166.04g and k = 0.86/yr for males; L(infinity) = 122.35mm, W(infinity) = 118.45g and k = 0.63/yr for females. Lifespan was estimated at 3.05 years for males and 4.24 years for females. We concluded that Callinectes danae is a species with short lifespan and moderately rapid growth. The coefficient of variation values (CV), of the phi-prime growth performance index (?'), showed a different growth pattern compared to those obtained in other regions. We propose that a management strategy will be the periodical review of the minimum capture size for fishing area, after the great variability found in growth parameters.     

瓯江口凤鲚生长、死亡和最适开捕体长

根据2015、2018—2020年瓯江口水域渔业资源监测调查资料, 对1359尾凤鲚的体长、全长和体重等生物学信息进行测定, 利用体长频率分布估算凤鲚种群生长、死亡参数等。结果表明, 瓯江口凤鲚体长为5.2—21.9 cm; 体长和体重的关系式W=0.0035×L_3.0783。用ELEFAN技术拟合的von Bertalanffy生长方程的各参数为L_∞=26.60 cm, k=0.47及t₀=–0.55 a; Z=2.30, M=1.00, F=1.30, E=0.567, 表明资源处于过度开发状态; 凤鲚的首次捕捞体长L_c=15.35 cm, 对应首次捕捞平均年龄为1.28 a, 小于临界年龄(1.36 a)和体重生长的拐点年龄(1.85 a),表明当前渔业主要捕捞对象为幼鱼和补充群体, 无法保证资源的有效补充。在瓯江口凤鲚目前的资源状态下, 应努力降低捕捞死亡率, 并加强对凤鲚栖息环境的保护, 而对目前以小型化和低龄化为主的凤鲚群体, 以控制开捕体长为主, 根据Beverton-Holt动态模型...     

The growth rates of the estuarine mollusc Musculista arcuatula Yamamoto and Habe (Bivalvia: Mytilidae)

The pattern of growth of the total population of Musculista arcuatula over a period of thirteen months was built up plotting length-percentage frequency histograms each month. From the shifting of the modes it was noticed that the increase in size from November to December was 2 mm, the growth during December to January 3 mm. In February the growth was nil. In March the size increasing by 6 mm and in April by 1 mm, when mortality of the largest size groups started to get completed in May. In June a conspicuous mode appeared at 9 mm, grew 1 mm in July, 2 mm in August and 3 mm in September. Growth remained stationary in October and November. The rate of increase in length was found to follow exponential law. The growth rate of this bivalve goes on increasing at a steady pace, the rate being 1.086 mm per month. The mean size of the females was found to be significantly larger than that of the males. The proportion of the males in the size group 3 mm to 10 mm was found to be significantly larger than in the entire population. But in the larger size groups there was no difference in the number of males and females and the proportion was almost 1:1. Throughout the year only one age class was recognizable in the natural population. There appears to be an excessive post reproductive mortality of adults rendering the population during most of the year of a single age class recruited through the various months of spawning. The maximum longevity was found to be at the most 18 months.     

Sexual dimorphism in Odonata: age, size, and sex ratio at emergence

Males and females of many organisms differ in important life-history and behavioral characters. Following a recent optimization analysis of sexually dimorphic life histories, we employed an odonate-like parameter set to identify patterns of life history and behavior to be expected in an odonate population. The default parameter magnitudes generated a smaller body size and shorter development time for males than for females, which resulted in a male-biased sex ratio. Whether population growth was density dependent or density independent, and whether development time was fixed or flexible had major impacts on life-history features. The model generated five general predictions for odonate systems. (1) For species with fixed development times, males and females should differ more in activity level, growth and mortality rates than for species with flexible life cycles. (2) In species with fixed development times, populations at high latitude or high altitude should be more active, emerge and reproduce at smaller size and have a more male-biased sex ratio than low latitude and low altitude populations. (3) In density-dependent populations, with density dependence mediated by activity-dependent mortality, higher predation rates should increase activity levels and reduce development time in species with flexible development times. (4) For species with flexible development times, in strongly density-dependent populations with density dependence mediated by mortality, activity levels should decrease and development times should increase at high prey abundance. (5) Males should be larger at emergence relative to females, and the sex ratio at emergence should be more female-biased in territorial than in non-territorial species. Existing empirical evidence concerning these predictions is generally sparse and equivocal; focused tests are clearly needed.     

Age and growth of Anguilla anguilla in the Camargue lagoons

Age and total length ( L _T) data from a 11 year monitoring of the Anguilla anguilla eel population of the Camargue lagoons (Rhône delta, southern France) were collected for glass, yellow and silver eels. Three distinct models were calibrated to describe the growth process of undifferentiated eels, females and males, respectively. Uncertainty of parameter estimates was evaluated by bootstrapping. Females were characterized by larger asymptotic body size ( L _T) than males (580 ± 50 v . 388 ± 13 mm) and faster growth, whilst the Brody growth coefficient was larger for males than for females (means ±  s . d . 3·00 10⁻³ ± 1·68 10⁻³ v . 1·73 10⁻³ ± 0·50 10⁻³). Sexual differentiation was estimated to begin at 204 ± 38 mm mean ±  s . d ., i.e . at the end of the second year in the lagoons, well before the L _T at which macroscopic differentiation became possible ( c . 300 mm). Males probably leave the lagoon or die (due to either natural or fishing mortality) within the first 3 years, whilst females can remain up to 5 years. Sexual differentiation and maturation have a major role in shaping the L _T structure of the population. The L _T and mass ( M ) data were fitted by allometric curves     . The calibration of distinct curves for data from different years indicated that the allometric coefficient a was subject to wider interannual fluctuations than the allometric exponent b . A negative correlation linked the average L _T and the allometric exponent ( r  = −0·58, P  < 0·01).     

雅鲁藏布江双须叶须鱼种群资源现状及其渔业管理对策

双须叶须鱼(Ptychobarbus dipogon)为雅鲁藏布江水系特有种,由于酷渔滥捕和外来种入侵等因素,其种质资源衰退严重。2008年10月至2009年9月、2012年4月至7月和2013年3月于雅鲁藏布江拉孜至尼木江段共捕捞双须叶须鱼956尾,采用单位补充量模型对其资源现状及管理措施进行了评估。结果表明:雌鱼种群的年总瞬时死亡率(Z)为0.52/年,雄鱼种群的年总瞬时死亡率(Z)为0.70/年,雌鱼种群自然死亡系数(M)和当前捕捞死亡系数( F_cur)范围分别为0.10—0.17/年和0.35—0.42/年,雄鱼种群自然死亡系数(M)和当前捕捞死亡系数(F_cur)范围分别为0.14—0.24/年和0.46—0.56/年。双须叶须鱼雌性和雄性种群的产卵潜力比(SPR)范围分别为3.1%—6.7%和9.8%—18.2%,均不高于下限参考点(25%)。这说明当前的管理政策不能对双须叶须鱼进行有效的保护,其种群处于过度利用状态。通过评估14个渔业管理措施对双须叶须鱼种群资源的保护效果,发现将起捕年龄提高至不小于15龄或禁渔期至少设置为2—6月,可有效地对其种质资源进行保护。     

Biological Aspects of Medorippe lanata (Linnaeus, 1767) (Brachyura: Dorippidae) from the Eastern Ligurian Sea (Western Mediterranean)

The aim of the present study is to investigate the demographic structure and to identify some aspects of the biology of an exploited population of Medorippe lanata (Brachyura: Dorippidae) in the eastern Ligurian Sea, western Mediterranean. 1364 specimens (639 males and 725 females) of M. lanata were collected on a monthly basis from January to December 2001, in a wide area of the eastern Ligurian Sea usually exploited by the Viareggio ‘rapido’ trawl fleet. M. lanata represented an important fraction of the discard, both in weight and in number of individuals. Maximum abundance of this species occurred in late summer-early autumn (up to 3369 ind. km⁻² and 50.6 kg km⁻² in August). The overall females:males sex-ratio was 1.13:1, while the monthly sex-ratio did not differ statistically from 1:1 in all months, except in September and October, when females significantly outnumbered males. The sampled population was composed of two cohorts from November to April. Sizes ranged from 10 to 29 mm carapace length (CL) for females and from 9 to 29 mm CL for males. The von Bertalanffy growth curve, computed for both sexes, gave a higher growth rate in males than in females. Recently moulted males and females were observed throughout the year, except in summer, when the highest number of ovigerous females was present. Females with external eggs were collected from March to November, with peaks in August and September. The monthly evolution of the ovarian maturity stages showed no clear temporal trend. At 21 mm CL, 50% of females were ovigerous or showed macroscopically mature ovaries. According to the dimorphism in chelae size, the presence of adult males (post-puberty stage) was observed all year round, from 18 to 29 mm CL, without evident temporal trends.     

Growth, mortality and reproduction of the blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in the Aguamilpa Reservoir, Mexico

Tilapia production has increased in Aguamilpa Reservoir, in Nayarit, Mexico, in the last few years and represents a good economic activity for rural communities and the country. We determined growth parameters, mortality and reproductive aspects for 2413 specimens of blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus in this reservoir. Samples were taken monthly from July 2000 through June 2001, of which 1 371 were males and 1 042 were females. Standard length (SL) and total weight (TW) were measured in each organism. The SL/TW relationships through power models for sexes were determined. The growth parameters L infinity k, and t0 of the von Bertalanffy equation were estimated using frequency distribution of length through ELEFAN-I computer program. Finally the reproductive cycle and size of first maturity were established using morph chromatic maturity scale. The results suggested that the males and females had negative allometric growth (b < 3). Significant differences were found between SL/TW model for the sexes, suggesting separate models for males and females. Results indicate that there are no differences in growth rates between sexes; the proposed parameters were L infinity = 43.33 cm standard length, k = 0.36/year and t0 = -0.43 years. Natural and fishing mortality coefficients were 0.83/year and 1.10/year, respectively. The estimated exploitation rate (0.57/year) suggested that during the study period the fishery showed signs of overfishing. Blue tilapia reproduces year-round; the highest activity occurs from January through May and size of first maturity was 23 cm SL. We conclude that it is necessary to establish a minimum catch size in this reservoir based on the reproductive behavior of this species.     

On the life history of the lesser gurnard (Scorpaeniformes: Triglidae) inhabiting the Agulhas Bank, South Africa

Growth analysis based on sectioned sagittal otoliths revealed the lesser gurnard Chelidonichthys queketti on the Agulhas Bank to be relatively fast growing and long lived, with ages of up to 7 years being recorded. Total length at age (mm) was described best by the specialized von Bertalanffy growth model as L _T=306·1 (1 − e^{0·53(t+0·18)}). First approximations of total, natural and fishing mortality rates were determined at 0·73, 0·38 and 0·35 year⁻¹ respectively. The adult population was male dominated with a sex ratio of 1 female: 1·2 males with the mean size of males and females being similar. The lesser gurnard is an iteroparous species with females maturing by the end of the first year of life (195 mm L _T), thereafter spawning throughout the year with reproductive activity peaking over spring and late summer. The lesser gurnard appears to exhibit similar life-history patterns to other triglid species in that it can be classified as a generalist. Generalistic life-history characteristics such as a fast growth rate, early sexual maturity at a relatively large size, a non-seasonal spawning pattern, feeding on a variety of prey organisms and the ability to inhabit various substrata could all contribute to it maintaining a high biomass on the Agulhas Bank.     

A skeletochronological study of age, growth and longevity in a population of the frog Rana ridibunda from southern Europe

Age at sexual maturity and longevity in a population of Rana ridibunda from north-eastern Greece were studied by skeletochronology performed on the phalanges. Analysis of the age structure was based on counting the lines of arrested growth (LAGs). Sexual maturity for both sexes arises during the first year or after the first hibernation. Ages ranged from 1 to 5 years (mean=2.96) among 52 males and from 1 to 5 years (mean=3.73) among 56 females. The mean snout-vent length was 69.03+/-12.6mm in males and 82.38+/-13.27 mm in females. The difference between the sexes in age and size was significant. Growth of individuals was fitted on? The von Bertalanffy model. The growth coefficient (K) was 0.57 in males and 0.54 in females, mainly due to faster male growth between metamorphosis and maturation.     

Reproductive characteristics and population decline of four species of skate (Rajidae) off the eastern coast of Canada

Four of the most common species of skate (Rajidae) were studied off eastern Canada to determine if their reproductive characteristics were linked to their population trajectories. The fecundity of the winter skate Leucoraja ocellata , the little skate Leucoraja erinacea , the thorny skate Amblyraja radiata and the smooth skate Malacoraja senta averaged between 41 and 56 egg cases per year for each species. For all species but L. ocellata , males matured at larger sizes and at later ages than females. Theoretical rates of population increase for non-equilibrium populations of L. ocellata ( c . 0·07), M. senta ( c . 0·14) and L. erinacea and A. radiata ( c . 0·20) were low compared to most fishes, indicating that north-west Atlantic skates are intrinsically unproductive, yet are theoretically capable of supporting low-level fisheries. Nevertheless, the results of 36 years of research surveys indicate that the abundance of mature L. ocellata , A. radiata and M. senta all decreased by >90% since 1970, indicating that past fishing mortality (both directed and undirected) has outstripped the net productivity of the skate populations on the eastern Scotian Shelf. The relationship between maximum age ( t _max) and age of maturity ( t _mat) was a better predictor of population growth rate than was body size, with the species exhibiting the highest ratios of t _mat : t _max ( L. ocellata = 0·68, M. senta = 0·66) having the lowest predicted population growth rates. L. ocellata appears to have the lowest productivity and has experienced the greatest population decline, thus raising concerns over its future status.     

Life history of the vaquita, Phocoena sinus (Phocoenidae, Cetacea)

The vaquita, Phocoena sinus , is the most endangered marine cetacean primarily due to incidental mortality in fishing nets. We examined a sample of 56 vaquitas to study the life history of this poorly known species. The age structure was bimodal, with 62% of the specimens from 0-2 years and 31% from 11-16 years; the sample contained no specimens from ages 3-6 years. The oldest individual was estimated to be 21 years old. All specimens less than three years old were sexually immature and all greater than six years old were mature. The asymptotic length of females (140.6 cm) was significantly greater than that of males (134.9 cm), although no difference was detected in asymptotic girth or body mass. Reproduction is synchronous; births occurred from late February to early April and maximum testes activity occurred from mid-March through to at least mid-April. Our observations from this small sample suggest that the calving interval is greater than one year. The sample was too small for many quantitative analyses, although it appears that lifespan, patterns of growth, age at sexual maturation, seasonal reproduction, and large testis size are similar to the harbour porpoise, P. phocoena , in a highly exploited and well-studied population from the Bay of Fundy. A significant difference, however, is that harbour porpoise females give birth annually, indicating that the rate of increase in the vaquita population is likely to be lower than that in the harbour porpoise. Without immediate cessation of fishing pressure, this fragile population will collapse, resulting in extinction of the vaquita.     

Sex‐specific differences in gonopore and gonadal growth trajectories in the brooding sea urchin,Abatus cavernosus (Spatangoida)

The heart urchin Abatus cavernosus shows sexual dimorphism characterized by the development of external brood pouches and the enlargement of gonopores in brooding females. Relationships between body size, gonopore size, and gonadal maturation in each sex were examined for inflection points using piecewise regression models (PRM). Opening of the gonopore occurred at 15.5 mm test length. Inflection points in the gonadal growth and gonopore diameter trajectories were clustered at smaller sizes in males (23 and 24.2 mm, respectively) than in females (25.1 and 25.9 mm), indicating sex‐specific differences in sexual maturation. Gonopore growth showed positive allometry at pre‐adult stages of development in both sexes, but isometry and negative allometry in adult females and males, respectively. Gonadal growth was initiated at smaller sizes and proceeded at a higher rate with increasing body size in males than in females. Identification of inflection points in gonopore and gonadal growth trajectories, using objective PRM, allows the determination of life stages and sexual maturation for individuals, thus providing a complementary tool for population studies.     

Notes on the biology of Cancer bellianus (Brachyura, Cancridae) around the Canary Islands

Information on biometric and biological parameters of Cancer bellianus Johnson, 1861 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Cancridae) off the Canary Islands is given. Crabs examined were collected during experimental fishing surveys during 1974–1998. Carapace length, carapace width, total wet weight, sex and ovigerous condition were determined. This species was caught at depths from 153 to 750 m, the deepest ever recorded. Size frequency distributions were assembled and size-weight relationships were estimated by sex. Sex-ratio as a function of size and depth was determined. The size at first maturity was calculated by analysing the relative growth between the carapace length and the left chela width: 103.5 mm CL in males, 101.2 mm CL in females. Ovigerous females, egg size and fecundity estimates are reported apparently for the first time.     

池塘中斑索蟾的种群结构、个体生长与存活率

在澳大利亚新南威尔士南部沿海,作者搜集了一个池塘繁殖的斑索蟾(Crinia signifera)的种群统计资料。通过捕捉进出池塘的1 612只个体,获得种群大小、结构、生长率、性成熟时的大小和年龄、死亡率及寿命资料。迁移高峰从6月持续到11月,蛙的最高、最低遇见数量分别出现在春季和秋季。但第2年,该池塘蛙的数量明显减少,可能是由于补充到种群中的幼体数量很少的缘故。6个月后个体的重捕率很低;但距第一次捕获18个月以后,仍有个别个体再次被捕获。性成熟时,雌性比雄性的身体大一些。生长曲线显示,雌性比雄性的生长更快,所以更早地达到性成熟。研究种群的数量、结构和死亡率趋势等与已知的其它Crinia signifera种群基本一致。但研究种群迁移活动的高峰出现较晚,并且夏季的活动水平明显很高。这种长的活动时间可能会导致存活率的下降,同时有利于选择迅速性成熟的雌性[动物学报51 (3) : 393 -400 , 2005]。     

Population variables and life-history characteristics of the alligator pipefish Syngnathoides biaculeatus, in Papua New Guinea

Population structure and life-history variables of the widely distributed alligator pipefish Syngnathoides biaculeatus were characterized in Bootless Bay, Papua New Guinea over the course of 11 months. There was little evidence of seasonality with four focal populations showing no significant change in abundance. Similarly, the sex ratio remained 1:1 for all but 1 month. Reproductive males carrying eggs (148–278 mm in total length, L _T) were found in all months. Brood size was significantly, positively related to male L _T for newly laid broods only. Maximum observed brood size was 351 and mean ± s . d . brood size was 238 ± 57 for newly laid broods. Juveniles and males showed no change in mean L _T over the year while slightly smaller females were captured in November 2006 and September 2007. Males were significantly longer than females so von Bertalanffy growth coefficients were estimated separately for each sex: males L _∞= 285 mm, K = 0·82 year⁻¹ and females L _∞= 261 mm, K = 1·10 year⁻¹. These estimates suggest that this species grows rapidly and has a short-life span. In the context of growing concern about overexploitation of syngnathids, a rapid growth rate combined with year round reproductive activity suggests that the tropical S. biaculeatus may be relatively resilient with regard to fishing pressure.