Growth rates of Lutjanidae (snappers) in tropical Australian waters

Abstract

Growth rates of three commercial species of Lutjanidae were estimated from sections of vertebrae cross‐checked with scales. The von Bertalanffy growth constants for Lutjanus malabaricus were K=0.168, L∞=70.7 cm standard length (S.L.). For Pristipomoides multidens these were K= 0.219, L∞= 59.1cm, and for Pristipomoides typus K=0.254, L∞= 51.5 cm. Length/weight was analysed in the form W= aLb where W was fresh weight (g) and L= S.L. (cm). The constants were: L. malabaricus, a= 0.041, b= 2.842; P. multidens, a=0.032, b= 2.897; P. typus, a= 0.038, b= 2.822. The growth rates were considered low in comparison with demersal fish counterparts from temperate seas.