Urohyal size versus body-length and weight relationships for thirteen mojarras species (Perciformes: Gerreidae) in Mexican waters

Abstract

Given that it has been shown that urohyal bones can be used to identify gerreid fish to the species level, predictive regression equations between urohyal size and fish standard length and weight of thirteen species of Gerreidae living along the coasts of Mexico, were calculated. All regressions were statistically significant with coefficients of variation and coefficient of determination values around 0.90 in most of cases. These regression equations could provide a reliable tool in trophic ecology and other studies by estimating the original body size and weight of fish from measuring urohyal bone lengths. Information provide from the urohyal bone-fish length and weight relationships also facilitates the assessment of the potential role of gerreid fish found in the diet of piscivorous species from Mexican waters.