Abstract
Age and growth of the alfonsino Beryx splendens off the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores were studied based on otoliths readings. Otoliths are thin and show clear annual growth rings. Fish aged 1–9 years (18.2–38.9 cm fork length (FL)) were found in the Canary Islands, 0–12 years (15.2–41.0 cm FL) in Madeira, and 0–11 years (15.3–43.0 cm FL) in the Azores. No significant differences in the growth parameters were found between males and females. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for all individuals were: L ∞=44.51 cm FL, k=0.15 per year, and t 0=−3.41 years in the Canary Islands; L ∞=58.71 cm FL, k=0.06 per year, and t 0=−5.71 years in Madeira; and L ∞=43.10 cm FL, k=0.17 per year, and t 0=−2.80 years in the Azores. Individuals grow fast during the first year of life, attaining approximately 50% of their maximum length; after the first year, the annual growth rate drops rapidly.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.