Age and maturation of jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus in the East China Sea

Abstract

Growth and reproductive characteristics of jack mackerel Trachurus japonicus collected in the East China Sea were determined based on otolith readings and gonad histology, respectively. Translucent and opaque zones on sectioned otoliths were identified and opaque rings counted. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters did not significantly differ between males and females, and the combined growth curve was: Lt = 401{1 − exp[−0.275 (t + 1.149)]} (0.8 < t < 6.9), where Lt is fork length (mm) at age t. The calculated lengths at age 1 in our study were larger than those reported 50 years ago from the East China Sea. The spawning period was evaluated to be from December to June, but primarily from February to May, based on the monthly changes in the gonadosomatic index and histological observations. The minimum size and age at first maturity were smaller and younger, respectively, than those reported in previous studies.