Growth Rate and Life History Events of Young-of-the-Year Gulf Menhaden as Determined from Otoliths

Abstract

Abstract Growth rate and life history events of young-of-the-year gulf menhaden Brevoortia patronus were determined in Fourleague Bay, Louisiana, from studies of sagittal otoliths. A single growth equation could not describe growth from larva to juvenile. Mean daily growth rates were high, averaging 0.33 mm˙d-1 and ranging from 0.20 to 0.48 mm˙d-1 for fish 18–82 mm total length. The offshore larval period was estimated to be 6–10 weeks, considerably longer than the 3–5 weeks previously suggested.