Abstract
In Ecuador, Peprilus medius is an important fishery resource whose destination is for local consumption and export. There are few local studies on its reproductive biology, and its capture is not regulated. Therefore, this study evaluates the most relevant aspects of its reproductive activity. Samples were obtained monthly from January to December 2017 from the capture of the purse seine fleet and the artisanal gillnet fleet landing near Manta. The morphometric analysis included the length-weight relationship, estimated using the allometry equation. The size at sexual maturity is based on the L50 criterion; the reproductive cycle was determined according to the monthly analyses of the gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI), and relative condition factor (Kn). A total of 334 specimens were analyzed, with average sizes of 22.0, 21.87, and 21.91 cm of total length (TL), for males, females, and combined sexes, respectively. Sex ratio was 1.17M: 1F (P > 0.05), while the length-weight relationship showed negative allometric growth for both males and females (b = 2.58; CI95% 2.48-2.72). Size at sexual maturity L50 was estimated at 21.84 and 21.23 cm TL for males and females, respectively. The GSI and HSI values and Kn showed significant differences among months (P < 0.05), with a marked seasonality during the single reproductive period. Mean size at first capture of 21 cm TL is recommended.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
