Age and Growth of the Capelin, Mallotus villosus (Müller), from Newfoundland and Grand Bank Areas

Abstract

From the study of samples of capelin in their first year it was established that scales are acquired when the fish are a little less than one year old and range in size from 7.2 to 10.0 cm. total (extreme tip) length. Length frequency and age data indicate that there is great variation between the growth rates of the various year-classes.From the Grand Bank 96% of the mature males and 99.6% of the mature females were three years old. No five-year-old fish were found on the Grand Bank. The average total lengths of mature capelin from bank and shore areas are quite similar.The male capelin has a total length greater than that of the female. This difference increases from 0.22 cm. for one-year-old fish to 2.32 cm. for three-year-old spawning fish.