Growth and production of some important species of fish in a Mexican coastal lagoon system |
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Authors: | K Warburton |
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Institution: | Dept. of Marine Biology, University of Liverpool, Port Erin, Isle of Man, British Isles |
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Abstract: | In terms of biomass, the three dominant fish species in the Huizache-Caimanero lagoon system during 1975–76 were the mullet Mugil curema , the anchovy, Anchoa panamensis and the catfish, Galeichthys caerulescens . Peaks in the abundance of the secondary predators occurred at the end of the wet season (September-October), while pelagic forms and members of the centropomid-gerreid association (Warburton 1968a ) were most common during November-February and December-February respectively. Twelve species, including the ten having the highest overall mean biomass, were selected for growth and production studies. Lagoon-specific differences in the patterns of growth and recruitment of several species were observed. The total estimated annual fish production in Caimanero lagoon was 34·48 g m?2 y?1, with M. curema contributing 9·36 g m?2, A. panamensis 9·24 g m?2 and G. caerulescens 6·15 g m?2 (maximum estimate). Mean turnover ratios (annual production: mean biomass) were 3·25 (demersal species), 8·44 (pelagic species) and 4·48 (all species). Implications for possible fishery and aquacultural expansion are discussed. |
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