Responses to temperature and salinity by White Mullet Mugil curema: Possible explanation for the population decrease in Baja California Sur

The white mullet Mugil curema is distributed along the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific coasts and constitutes an important food resource in Mexico. However, during recent years the capture of this mugilid has decreased considerably, especially in Bahía and Ensenada de La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The effects of different levels of temperature (22, 26, and 30°C) and salinity (15, 25, and 35) on the instantaneous growth rate, energy content, and condition factor of early juveniles of Mugil curema were evaluated. Fish showed a lower growth rate, lower body energy content, and a less condition factor when exposed to high salinity and temperature. On the basis to the results obtained and considering the unusual extreme temperatures and salinity registered in Ensenada de La Paz, it is expected low functional performance of juvenile mullets beyond the overfishing might contribute to the population decrease of this resource.