Estimates on age,growth and mortality of the French angelfish Pomacanthus paru (Bloch, 1787) (Teleostei: Pomacanthidae) in the southwestern Atlantic

The aim of the present study was to determine age, growth and mortality of the French angelfish Pomacanthus paru. Age was solely determined by sectioned otoliths. All tetracycline‐treated otoliths were 1 year of age and revealed a clear fluorescent mark when observed under UV light. Otolith weight increased exponentially with standard length, and linearly with age, indicating that otolith growth continues with age and is independent of size. Age of fish in the sample ranged from 1 to 27 years. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was TLt = 36.33 (1 ? e^{?0.12 (t + 0)}). Total rate mortality (Z) was estimated to be 0.10. Attaining maximal size slowly, P. paru has a long life expectancy. Most linear growth is achieved within approximately 74% of the lifetime of the fish. Besides being an important ornamental species, P. paru has been commonly captured for decades as bycatch in trap fisheries. These growth parameters should be used with the purpose of managing fisheries targeting this species before more meaningful limits can be imposed. In the aquarium trade management, it is suggested that conservationist issues should be based on capture‐per‐area and the establishment of protected areas.