Patterns of reproduction and growth of the catfishIheringichthys labrosus(Lütken, 1874) after a reservoir formation

Abstract

This work contributes to the knowledge of the reproduction, growth parameters and mortality rates of Iheringichthys labrosus in a newly-formed reservoir. A total of 554 males and 1227 females were collected over 12 consecutive months, 1998–1999, from sites in the Corumbá Reservoir, Brazil, using gillnets (meshes: 2.4–16 cm). Information on each individual, i.e. standard length (cm), weight (g), sex, and gonadal development phase was recorded. The pectoral spines were removed to estimate age. The number of juveniles and adults, males and females, reproductive sites and seasons were estimated. First maturation length was estimated using a likelihood function fitted by binomial distribution. Growth parameters were estimated using the von Bertalanffy equation. Total instantaneous mortality was obtained through a linearized catch curve method. Standard length varied from 6.0 to 20.5 cm. Growth showed negative allometry for both sexes. The reproduction period was August to December in all environments sampled and first maturation length was 11.5 cm. All individuals were adults with 17.0 cm standard length. Ages varied from zero to 7 years. Asymptotic length, growth coefficient and t0 for the entire population were 27.79 cm, 0.12 and −2.64, respectively. Instantaneous and annual mortality rates were 0.90 and 0.59, respectively.