Von Bertalanffy Growth Function Parameters Research Articles

Age, Growth, and Otolith Morphometrics of Trachinus draco (L., 1758) and Trachinus radiatus (Cuvier, 1829) in the Eastern Mediterranean

Trachinus draco and Trachinus radiatus are two bycatch species of low commercial value and no sufficient knowledge on their biological features. In the present study, the weight–length relationship, age, growth, and ten otolith morphometric variables of these species were investigated in the southwestern Aegean Sea for the first time. Positive allometric and isometric growth in the weight were defined in T. draco and T. radiatus. The weight–length relationship was described by the parameters α = 0.002415 and b = 3.35745 in T. draco and α = 0.007582 and b = 3.09452 in T. radiatus. The von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were L∞ = 44.51 cm, k = 0.15 year−1, and t0 = −1.31 years for T. draco and L∞ = 58.47 cm, k = 0.16 year−1, and t0 = −0.78 years for T. radiatus. Ten otolith variables (radius, length, width, area, perimeter, roundness, circularity, form factor, rectangularity, and ellipticity) showed a significant relationship with size for both species, except the ellipticity in T. radiatus. The mean values of all the otolith variables were higher in T. radiatus than in T. draco. The otolith of T. radiatus was found to become more rectangular with size as compared to the otolith of T. radiatus. The results of this work can support further research on the behavioral and ecological features of the two species.

On the biology of the alien Red Sea goatfish, Parupeneus forsskali (Fourmanoir & Guézé, 1976) in the Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean

ABSTRACT The alien Red Sea goatfish (Parupeneus forsskali) was recently reported in the Mediterranean Sea, as a species that migrated two decades ago through the Suez Canal. In this work, efforts are being made to fill knowledge gaps on its biology, through information based on 131 Red Sea goatfish specimens collected from commercial fishing vessels in the south-eastern coasts of the Aegean Sea, Greece (Eastern Mediterranean). The largest specimen examined measured 26 cm in total length (Lmax), while otolith annual ring determination showed that the maximum recorded age was 4 years. The Von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were estimated as follows: L∞ = 32.44 cm, Κ = 0.31 y−1 and t0  = −0.08 y. The diet of the specimens was dominated by Decapoda and Amphipoda (IRI = 66%) with an estimated trophic level of 3.58 (±0.53), characterizing the species as carnivorous with preference for Crustacea prey. Length (Lm) and age (tm) at maturity were estimated to be 19.6 cm and 2.8 years, respectively. The species exhibited larger reproductive load (Lm/Lmax) in the non-native regions compared with its native distribution in the non-native regions compared with its native distribution. In conclusion, further research is required in order to elucidate differences of the species’ life-history traits between its native and non-native distribution.

Age, growth and length-to-weight relationship of largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) in south-eastern Australia suggest a distinct population

The age, growth rates and length to weight relationships for the south-eastern Australian population of largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) were investigated for the first time. Age was estimated by counting annuli in sectioned sagittal otoliths, with a maximum age of 8 years estimated for males and females. We found no significant differences in the growth rates of males and females over the size (12–78 cm pre-anal length (PL)) and age (0–8 years) ranges sampled. However, females in our collection were larger on average than males, and all fish sampled >60 cm PL were female, suggesting that females may grow to larger sizes than males and that sampling of greater numbers of larger and older fish may be required in future. T. lepturus growth was described by the von Bertalanffy growth function parameters L∝ = 74.89 cm PL, K = 0.13yr−1 and t0 = −0.80 yr, with the L∝ being amongst the largest reported for the species. Growth was variable, with the sizes at any given age spanning up to 50 cm PL. Female T. lepturus increased in body weight relative to length faster than males, as has been reported in other populations. The length/weight relationship for the south-eastern Australian population was significantly different, with almost no overlap, from that reported for T. lepturus in the Arabian Sea. The substantial differences in growth rates, maximum sizes and body morphometrics of T. lepturus from south-eastern Australia in comparison to other populations globally are consistent with the hypotheses that it represents a distinct population, although investigations using additional population markers are required to verify this.

Improving estimates of growth for pearl perch (Glaucosoma scapulare) in Queensland, Australia

AbstractThe pearl perch (Glaucosoma scapulare) is endemic to the east coast of Australia in depths to 150 m. The species has a long history of exploitation, and the stock is currently depleted. Previous research indicated the species is long lived and slow growing based on fishery‐dependent sampling undertaken in the late 1990s and early 2000s on traditional fishing grounds at the southern end of the species’ range. Increasing fishing power has facilitated the expansion of the fishery to areas to the north and east of traditional grounds, which has resulted in the appearance of older fish (>10 yr) in fishery‐dependent samples not previously observed. The current study estimated the growth parameters using 1153 length‐at‐age observations from fish collected in Queensland between January 2020 and December 2021. The lack of significant numbers of individuals at either end of the age frequency distribution necessitated the estimation of growth in a Bayesian framework with informative priors for length‐at‐age‐zero and maximum length using a multi‐model approach. The von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) was found to best fit the observed length‐at‐age data and the estimated VBGF parameters were L∞ = 562 mm FL, L0 = 2.02 mm FL and k = 0.295 yr−1. The high proportion of older fish in samples, combined with prior information on relevant parameters, improves growth parameter estimation by reducing bias and facilitating improved model fits to observed length‐at‐age data.

Length–Weight Relationships and Growth Parameters of Common and Leafy Seadragons (Syngnathidae) from a Public Aquarium

The length–weight relationships (LWR) of the common seadragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus (Lacepède, 1804) and the leafy seadragon Phycodurus eques (Günther, 1865), Syngnathidae, are presented in this paper, based on specimens raised in the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, La Jolla, California. Furthermore, we used the length at known age of 40 specimens of common and 15 leafy seadragons to estimate the parameter of the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) for these species. Some of the pros and cons of the newly proposed length type used, ‘scalene length’ are presented. The parameters of the LWR and the VBGF parameters are discussed, with an emphasis on the rearing conditions, the peculiar anatomy of seadragons, especially of P. eques, and on the Gill-Oxygen Limitation Theory (GOLT).

STOCK ASSESSMENT OF BLUE SWIMMING CRAB FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT IN ASID GULF, MASBATE PHILIPPINES

Fishermen in the Asid Gulf rely heavily on the income, livelihood, and food security that Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) provides. A study was conducted in January-December, 2018 to investigate the present status of the BSC fishery in the gulf. A total of 3991 BSC were collected for length-frequency data and analysis was done using an analytical length-based fish stock assessment, FISAT (version 1.2.2). Results on Von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were -1 CW?=170.43 mm and K=0.93year (ELEFAN method). The current exploitation rate was 0.79 which was higher than the threshold at E=0.37. Also, an excess of 29% in the E current suggested reducing the 28% fishing effort of the current year to fulfill the MSY and FMSY. On this basis, it is safe to presume that BSC fishery from Asid Gulf is experiencing overexploitation, hence, the need to recommend interventions supportive of the sustainable management and conservation of BSC in Asid Gulf.

Climate Change May Cause Shifts in Growth and Instantaneous Natural Mortality of American Shad Throughout Their Native Range

AbstractAmerican Shad Alosa sapidissima is an anadromous species with populations ranging along the U.S. Atlantic coast. Past American Shad stock assessments have been data limited and estimating system‐specific growth parameters or instantaneous natural mortality (M) was not possible. This precluded system‐specific stock assessment and management due to reliance on these parameters for estimating other population dynamics (such as yield per recruit). Furthermore, climate‐informed biological reference points remain a largely unaddressed need in American Shad stock assessment. Population abundance estimates of American Shad and other species often rely heavily on M derived from von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) parameters. Therefore, we developed Bayesian hierarchical models to estimate coastwide, regional, and system‐specific VBGF parameters and M using data collected from 1982 to 2017. We tested predictive performance of models that included effects of various climate variables on VBGF parameters within these models. System‐specific models were better supported than regional or coast‐wide models. Mean asymptotic length (L∞) decreased with increasing mean annual sea surface temperature (SST) and degree days (DD) experienced by fish during their lifetime. Although uncertain, K (Brody growth coefficient) decreased over the same range of lifetime SST and DD. Assuming no adaptation, we projected changes in VBGF parameters and M through 2099 using modeled SST from two climate projection scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways 4.5 and 8.5). We predicted reduced growth under both scenarios, and M was projected to increase by about 0.10. It is unclear how reduced growth and increased mortality may influence population productivity or life history adaptation in the future, but our results may inform stock assessment models to assess those trade‐offs.

Density‐Dependent Changes in Grass Carp Growth and Mortality in Long‐Term Aquatic Plant Management

AbstractThe Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella is an herbivorous fish that has been stocked throughout the United States for aquatic plant control, commonly to manage hydrilla Hydrilla verticillata. Triploid Grass Carp were purported to have a mean life span of about 11 years based on otolith‐assigned ages and mortality estimates for fish associated with large stocking efforts through which aquatic plants were eliminated. Recent studies in aquatic systems where preferred foods were not eliminated have found that Grass Carp may live up to 30 years or more, but information about growth and mortality is lacking. About 130,000 Grass Carp have been stocked since 1995 to manage hydrilla in combination with fluridone application in Lake Gaston, Virginia–North Carolina, USA. Hydrilla coverage peaked at about 1,300 ha in 2003 and was reduced to about 130 ha by 2014. Since 2006, a total of 419 Grass Carp have been collected for age and growth analysis. A Bayesian approach was used to estimate von Bertalanffy growth function parameters that incorporated the effects of a linear trend in year, hydrilla abundance, or Grass Carp density and to assess population changes. Fish that were stocked in 1995 persisted through 2017. Mean maximum length (L∞) of Grass Carp decreased by about 200 mm with an increasing number of Grass Carp per hectare of hydrilla, and fish reached maximum size earlier in life. Indirect mortality estimates derived from growth parameters increased with Grass Carp density. Because preferred food availability affects mortality rates, stocking numbers should vary accordingly to maximize the effectiveness of hydrilla control programs.

Life history of northern Gulf of Mexico Warsaw grouper Hyporthodus nigritus inferred from otolith radiocarbon analysis.

Warsaw grouper, Hyporthodus nigritus, is a western Atlantic Ocean species typically found at depths between 55 and 525 m. It is listed as a species of concern by the U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service and as near threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. However, little information exists on the species’ life history in the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGOM) and its stock status in that region is currently unknown. Age of nGOM Warsaw grouper was investigated via opaque zone counts in otolith thin sections (max age = 61 y), and then the bomb 14C chronometer was employed to validate the accuracy of age estimates. Otolith cores (n = 14) were analyzed with accelerator mass spectrometry and resulting Δ14C values overlain on a loess regression computed for a regional coral and known-age red snapper Δ14C time series. Residual analysis between predicted Δ14C values from the loess regression versus Warsaw grouper otolith core Δ14C values indicated no significant difference in the two data series. Therefore, the accuracy of otolith-based aging was validated, which enabled growth and longevity estimates to be made for nGOM Warsaw grouper. Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) Δ14C values collected from the nGOM support the inference that juvenile Warsaw grouper occur in shelf waters (<200 m) since DIC Δ14C values in this depth range are enriched in 14C and similar to the Δ14C values from otolith cores. A Bayesian model was fit to fishery-dependent age composition data and produced von Bertalanffy growth function parameters of L∞ = 1,533 mm, k = 0.14 y-1, and t0 = 1.82 y. Fishing mortality also was estimated in the model, which resulted in a ratio of fishing to natural mortality of 5.1:1. Overall, study results indicate Warsaw grouper is a long-lived species that is estimated to have experienced significant overfishing in the nGOM, with the age of most landed fish being <10 y.

Population dynamics of Rainbow Sardines, Dussumieria acuta (Valenciennes, 1847) from Pakistani waters

Length frequency data of Rainbow Sardines, Dussumieria acuta were collected and measured from the coast of Pakistan during 2015, ranging from 5 to 19 cm (total length). Weight ranges were measured from 2 to 64 g. The length frequency data were analysed for the estimation of population dynamics, so b was estimated at 2.70. The estimated von Bertalanffy growth function parameters of 19.95 cm (L∞) and 0.730 year-1 (K). The mortality rate Z= 1.84 year-1, M= 1.59 year-1 F= 0.25 year-1 and E= F/Z= 0.135. The yield-per-recruit analysis indicated that when tc was 1, Fmax was 1 year-1. Currently, the age at first capture is about 1 year and Fcurrent was 0.25 year-1. Therefore, Fcurrent was smaller than Fmax. With Gulland method, the biological reference point for fishery (Fopt) was estimated as 1.59 year1, which is also higher than current fish mortality. Therefore, the present study shows that the Dussumieria acuta fishery is safe in Pakistan.

Historical growth of Eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua): Setting a baseline with international tagging data

Understanding the growth of commercially exploited fish is crucial in fisheries biology and correct estimations of growth and its change over time are paramount for the evaluation of stock status development.Mark-recapture experiments represent a reliable method to estimate growth when age determination based on otolith reading is uncertain, as is the case of the Eastern Baltic cod stock. In this study, historical data (1955–1970) from tagging experiments on Eastern Baltic cod performed by Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Latvia and Germany were digitised and collated for the first time in a unique dataset to estimate historical von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) parameters based on fish length increments using GROTAG model.The estimated VBGF parameters were L∞ = 98.22 cm and k = 0.14 for the period 1955–1964 (n = 1151), L∞ =123.61 cm and k = 0.09 for 1965–1970 (n = 2612), and L∞ = 125.60 cm and k = 0.09 for the aggregated period (n = 3763). A seasonal growth signal was detected for all the periods, with a peak after the spawning season in early autumn. These estimates are the most thorough historical growth baseline now available for the Eastern Baltic cod and can be compared to ongoing and future tagging experiments contributing to the development of stock assessment models for this stock.

Life-history traits of the striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus (Linnaeus, 1758) in the south Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean)

AbstractAlthough the red striped mullet is one of the main target fish of the Hellenic demersal fisheries, information about its biology is limited. The aim of this study was to describe the reproductive biology and growth of the species in the south Aegean Sea based on 1032 individuals sampled under the Data Collection Framework Program in 2016. According to the monthly variation of the maturity stages and the gonadosomatic index, spawning activity took place from March to July, although it appeared to occur throughout the year. Length at 50% maturity (L50) was 153.3 and 139.2 mm in females and males, respectively. Individual ages were determined by counting the annuli of otoliths macroscopically. Marginal increment analysis (MIA) combined with complementary information derived from otolith edge analysis, the assessment of the reproductive period and the length–frequency distribution modes of the population showed that annulus formation occurs between February and April. The length–weight relationship revealed a significant sex effect and was described by the parametersα= 0.0155 andb= 2.915 in females, andα= 0.0032 andb= 2.976 in males. The von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) parameters for sexes combined wereLinf= 346.1 mm,k= 0.299 year−1andt0= −0.984 years. Longevity (tmax) was estimated at 11.75 years. This study provides valuable data for the stock assessment ofM. surmuletusin one of the major Hellenic fishing grounds located in the south Aegean Sea.

Bayesian hierarchical nonlinear models for estimating coral growth parameters

AbstractIn ecology, the standard tool for investigating the growth of marine species is the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF). The parameters of this function are usually estimated by methods that might induce bias in the results because the VBGF neither distinguishes between the variability at individual or population levels nor takes into account the contribution of site‐specific environmental factors. A major problem arises when environmental measures are not directly linked to data because they are observed at different spatial locations, scales, or times. In this case, the association between site‐specific environmental features and individual data might be forced. A Bayesian hierarchical nonlinear model (BHNLM) is proposed to provide reliable estimation of the VBGF parameters while taking into account biological information and site variability. We illustrate the advantages of the hierarchical structure that allow us to capture the differences among species and sites when environmental information is ignored. The proposal is assessed through a case study concerning two Mediterranean corals, Balanophyllia europaea and Leptopsammia pruvoti, improving both the statistical accuracy and the quantification of uncertainties affecting marine species growth.

Age and growth of black seabream Acanthopagrus schlegelii(Sparidae) in Hong Kong and adjacent waters of the northern South China Sea.

Age and growth of the black seabream Acanthopagrus schlegelii (family Sparidae) from the northern South China Sea (NSCS) were studied by reading growth rings in sectioned sagittal otoliths. Ring formation frequency was determined to be annual by using marginal increment analysis. The von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were estimated as: L∞  = 43.7 cm LS ; K =0.22 year; t0  = -1.59 years. Functional males are significantly younger than functional females, with sexually transitional individuals between the modal ages of males and females supporting protandry in this species. Males become sexually mature within 1 year and 50% age at sex change is at 2 years. The maximum age recorded for both males and females sampled was 9 years which is lower than for conspecifics elsewhere and may reflect high fishing pressure in the study area when compared with conspecifics in other areas or could reflect latitudinal effects. Otolith mass was significantly and positively related to age, providing a cheap and quick alternative method for approximating age. Acanthopagrus schlegelii is a relatively fast-growing and rapidly maturing species attaining a similar asymptotic length to conspecifics. A need for fishery management is indicated to protect both young juveniles and older adults, especially females, to increase reproductive output and safeguard fishery production.

Investigating spatial heterogeneity of von Bertalanffy growth parameters to inform the stock structuration of common sole, Solea solea, in the Eastern English Channel

In fisheries science, a mismatch between the delineation of a fish stock and the underlying biological population can lead to inaccurate assessment and management. Previous results suggested a potential spatial structuration of the Eastern English Channel (EEC) stock of common sole, Solea solea, in three sub-populations. In this article, we propose to investigate the spatial population structure of common sole in the EEC using the von Bertalanffy Growth Function parameters as indicators of population segregation. In order to test the sub-population hypothesis and evaluate its robustness to data sources, we developed three models, all including an area effect on growth parameters. The first model was aimed at testing a potential data source effect (in addition to the area effect) using commercial and scientific survey data jointly. The two other models used either scientific survey or commercial fishery data and focused on spatial differences in growth parameters. Our results showed that the growth parameter estimates indeed differed depending on the type of data used, with higher estimated asymptotic length and length at age two (L2) using commercial data. They also highlighted spatial differences in asymptotic length, consistent between models, which tend to confirm a spatial structuration of sole in the EEC. While these results need to be strengthened by marking and genetic studies, they constitute a first step towards a better understanding of the population spatial structuration of common sole in the EEC.

Age and growth estimates of the blue shark Prionace glauca in the central South Pacific Ocean

The age and growth of the blue shark Prionace glauca in the central South Pacific is described based on 267 specimens that were collected by scientific observers on board Taiwanese large-scale tuna longline fleets between May 2009 and May 2011. Growth band pairs (identified as translucent and opaque bands) were counted on images photographed from X-ray films of the vertebrae from the caudal peduncle region. The marginal increment ratio and centrum edge analysis indicated that a growth band pair was formed on the vertebral centrum once per year. The band pairs after the birthmark were counted from 2 to 11 for females and from 2 to 15 for males. The bias corrected Akaike information criterion indicated that the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) best fitted the observed total length (TL)-at-age data. The parameters of sex-specific VBGF were estimated as follows: for females, theoretical maximum length (L∞) mean±s.d.=330.4±46.6cm TL, growth coefficient k=0.164±0.057year–1 and theoretical age at length 0 (t0)=–1.29±0.78 years; for males, L∞=376.6±32.6cm TL, k=0.128±0.022year–1 and t0=–1.48±0.54 years. The longevities were estimated to be at least 16.8 and 21.6 years for females and males respectively.

Global patterns and clines in the growth of common carp Cyprinus carpio.

This review provides a meta-analytical assessment of the global patterns and clines in the growth of Cyprinus carpio as measured by length-at-age (Lt ) or von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) parameters, mass-length relationship (W-Lt ) and condition factor, based on literature data. In total, 284 studies were retrieved spanning 91 years of research and carried out on 381 waterbodies-locations in 50 countries in all five continents. Although native C. carpio achieved larger (asymptotic) size relative to its non-native counterpart, the latter grew faster during the first 7 years of life. Lentic populations (especially in natural lakes) also achieved larger sizes relative to lotic ones and the same was true for populations in cold and temperate v. arid climates. Unlike previous studies (on much more restricted datasets), only weak latitudinal clines in instantaneous growth rate, Lt at age 3 and mortality were observed globally and this was probably due to the presence of counter-gradient growth variation at all representative age classes (i.e. 1-10 years). Slightly negative allometry was revealed by the W-Lt and the related form factor tended to distinguish the more elongated and torpedo-shaped body typical of the wild form from the deeper body of feral-domesticated C. carpio. Existing population dynamics models for C. carpio will benefit from the comprehensive range of waterbody type × climate class-specific VBGF parameters provided in the present study; whereas, more studies are needed on the species' growth in tropical regions and to unravel the possibility of confounding effects on age estimation due to both historical and methodological reasons.

Growth and reproduction of the Japanese mantis shrimp, Oratosquilla oratoria (De Haan 1844) in the coastal area of Tongyeong, Korea

Growth and reproduction of the Japanese mantis shrimp, Oratosquilla oratoria, were investigated in the Tongyeong, Korea from July 2014 to August 2015. A total of 2,621 samples (1,380 females and 1,241 males) were collected during the study period. Females were observed more frequently than males. The mean body length (BL) was 128.5 ± 0.38 mm in females and 126.9 ± 0.42 mm in males. The mean body weight (BW) was 31.2 ± 0.28 g in females and 31.1 ± 0.32 g in males. There was a significant difference in the length-frequency distribution between females and males. The relationship between BL and BW was lnBW = 2.85 × lnBL - 10.43 for females and lnBW = 2.87 × lnBL -10.52 for males. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) varied on a monthly basis. The GSI reached a maximum in May and a minimum in November. The highest values of the GSI coincided with the spawning period of O. oratoria. Larger individuals of O. oratoria have their spawning season earlier than smaller ones. The size at sexual maturity of females was estimated as 96.5 mm. The Von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were BL∞ = 184.5 mm, K = 0.72 year−1, C = 0.36 and WP = 0.45 for females and BL∞ = 183.75 mm, K = 0.82 year−1, C = 0.38 and WP = 0.22 for males. The growth of males was slightly faster than females. The present study will help with the fisheries management of O. oratoria based on ecological parameters.

Growth and life history variability of the grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) across its range.

For broadly distributed, often overexploited species such as elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), conservation management would benefit from understanding how life history traits change in response to local environmental and ecological factors. However, fishing obfuscates this objective by causing complex and often mixed effects on the life histories of target species. Disentangling the many drivers of life history variability requires knowledge of elasmobranch populations in the absence of fishing, which is rarely available. Here, we describe the growth, maximum size, sex ratios, size at maturity, and offer a direct estimate of survival of an unfished population of grey reef sharks (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) using data from an eight year tag-recapture study. We then synthesized published information on the life history of C. amblyrhynchos from across its geographic range, and for the first time, we attempted to disentangle the contribution of fishing from geographic variation in an elasmobranch species. For Palmyra’s unfished C. amblyrhynchos population, the von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) growth coefficient k was 0.05 and asymptotic length L∞ was 163.3 cm total length (TL). Maximum size was 175.5 cm TL from a female shark, length at maturity was estimated at 116.7–123.2 cm TL for male sharks, maximum lifespan estimated from VBGF parameters was 18.1 years for both sexes combined, and annual survival was 0.74 year-1. Consistent with findings from studies on other elasmobranch species, we found significant intraspecific variability in reported life history traits of C. amblyrhynchos. However, contrary to what others have reported, we did not find consistent patterns in life history variability as a function of biogeography or fishing. Ultimately, the substantial, but not yet predictable variability in life history traits observed for C. amblyrhynchos across its geographic range suggests that regional management may be necessary to set sustainable harvest targets and to recover this and other shark species globally.

Life history of the silvertip shark Carcharhinus albimarginatus from Papua New Guinea

Growth and maturity of the silvertip shark Carcharhinus albimarginatus from Papua New Guinea were estimated to form the basis of future population assessments. Samples were collected from commercial longline vessels targeting sharks in the Bismarck and Solomon Seas. A total of 48 C. albimarginatus—28 males (95–219 cm total length, TL) and 20 females (116–250 cm TL)—provided data for the analyses. Employing back-calculation techniques accounted for missing juvenile length classes and supplemented the sample size. A multi-model framework incorporating the Akaike information criterion was used to estimate growth parameters. The von Bertalanffy growth function (VBGF) provided the best-fit growth estimates. Parameter estimates were L0 = 72.1 cm TL, k = 0.04 yr−1 and L∞ = 311.3 cm TL for males; and L0 = 70.8 cm TL, k = 0.02 yr−1 and L∞ = 497.9 cm TL for females. The biologically implausible L∞ occurred for females as their growth did not asymptote; a typical trait of large shark species. The maximum age estimated from vertebral analysis was 18 yr for both sexes, while the calculated longevity from the VBGF parameters was 27.4 yr for males and 32.2 yr for females. Males matured at 174.7 cm TL and 10.5 yr old, while females matured at 208.9 cm TL and 14.8 yr old.