Von Bertalanffy Growth Equation Research Articles

Estimating Age-Specific Natural Mortality for Sandfish in the Eastern Coastal Waters of Korea

To estimate age-specific natural mortality, we proposed an age-structured biomass model with an impulsive dynamical system. In the estimation of natural mortality, we considered growth rate and also reproduction rate, growth, and catch of sandfish, Arctoscopus japonicus. Assuming a linear relationship between observed values of the catch per unit effort (CPUE) and total biomass estimated by the age-structured biomass model, we estimated the age-specific natural mortality using the CPUE and catch data, from 1994 to 2009, for varying values of the assumed initial total biomass in 1994, by selecting the largest coefficient of determination (R2). We suggested the following empirical formula: Mi=qKL∞ln(eK(i+1−t0) − 1eK(i−t0) − 1), which estimated natural mortality of sandfish, and the derived age-specific natural mortality was significantly related to fecundity and growth. The parameters of von Bertalanffy growth equation and a logistic equation of maturity with total length were derived from the data of otolith and gonad analysis of female sandfish collected from 2005 to 2008 and from 2005 to 2006, respectively. We also conducted sensitivity analysis by varying the exponent in the inverse function of total length.

Population dynamics of spinycheek grouper Epinephelus diacanthus (Valenciennes, 1828) from the southwest coast of India

Subtle bathymetric distribution of Epinephelus diacanthus as a function of age was observed during the exploratory survey conducted for the past 20 years (2000-2019) by deploying different fishing gears such as bottom trawl, perch trap, bottom set vertical line and hand line suitable for various niche from Muddy to rocky bottom. The juveniles and the individuals of maturing stages of less than 3 years age groups occupies predominantly in the shallow muddy areas and sporadically occurs in the neighbor rocky with sandy grounds. However, the larger specimens of more than 3 years age groups occupies exclusively the rocky habitat of the depth between 60- 110m. Moreover the larger size above 30cm total length of above 3 years age group was not recorded from shallow muddy grounds during the past 20 years survey is imperative. The Population parameters of E. diacanthus were estimated from length frequency data through ELEFAN I (FISAT programs). The asymptotic length (La) was 56.7 cm, K was 0.29 year­­­-1 and the arbitrary origin of growth curve (t0) was -0.66 year, hence von Bertalanffy growth equation was derived as Lt = 56.7 (1-e-0.29 (t – (-0.66)) during 2009. The length at- age was estimated as 13.7 cm, 22.8 cm, 33.8 cm, 41.1 cm, 44.4 cm, 48.61 cm, 52.9 cm,54.1 cm and 56.7 cm in the I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and IX year respectively. The annual rate of natural mortality (M) was found to be 0.66, the fishing mortality (F) and total mortality (Z) were 0.67 and 1.33 respectively. Exploitation ratio (E) was 0.50, whereas E max was found to be 0.48, so the present study revealed that the fishing pressure was more than the optimum level on the stock of E. diacanthus. The mean length at first capture (Lc) was found to be 14 cm total length. The VPA analysis revealed that more fishing mortality was occurred in 16-17cm size group and 36, 46 cm size groups. The recruitment of this species was peak in the month of July. Length weight relationship of this species was found to be W= 0.002 L2.89 for pooled data. The relative condition factor (Kn) and seasonal condition factor (K) were varying among size groups, juvenile had highest K value.

Age, growth and reproduction of the golden grey mullet, Chelon auratus (Risso, 1810) in the Golden Horn Estuary, Istanbul

AbstractAge, growth and reproduction biology of the golden grey mullet, Chelon auratus (Risso, 1810) have been studied in the Istanbul Golden Horn area. Fish length ranged from 13.4–46.8 cm, and age from 1–10 years, respectively. The sex ratio (female:male) was 1:1.08. The length-weight relationship was estimated as W = 0.0127L2.89, W = 0.0099L2.97 and W = 0.0156L2.82 for both sexes combined, females and males, respectively. The von Bertalanffy growth equation parameters were: L∞ = 57.52 cm, K = 0.1 year−1, t0 = −2.24 year for pooled data. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) values indicated the major spawning period was between August and November, and the minor spawning peak between March and April. The highest GSI values were observed in September. The length and age of sexual maturity were estimated as 26.2 cm and 4 years for males and 24.1 cm and 3 years for females.

Population dynamic of indian scad (Decapterus russelli) based on data in tasikagung fishing Port of Rembang

Indian scad is a small pelagic fish that has important economical value. Indian scad caught by mini purse seine which is the most dominant fishing gear in Tasikagung Fishing Port of Rembang. The high demand of Indian scad, in fishermen enlarging their effort. The purpose of this research is to know the growth, mortality rate, exploitation rate and reproduction aspects including gonad maturity level and gonad maturity index of Indian scad. The research was conducted in January – April 2019. The method used was systematic random sampling. Data collected were size of fish (mm), weight (gram), weight of gonads (g) and catching area. The samples were collected twice a month. The length of fish ranged from 102 - 185 mm. The length-weight relationship analysis obtained equation W = 0.0000546TL2.73 and L50% 155 mm. Estimation of Von Bertalanffy growth equation is L∞ = 221 mm, K = 1.7 year−1, and the time of zero length (t0) = -0.322 year. Total mortality (Z) of indian scad was 2.91 year−1, natural mortality (M) was 1.48 year−1 and the fishing mortality (F) was 1.43 year−1. This indicates that the rate of exploitation of indian scad amounted 0.49 year−1. The pick recruitment occurred in August and September. The average Indian scad caught in the condition of maturity on gonad maturity level III and IV. Gonad maturity index of male Indian scad was 1.47 and females was 1.59.

Comparative age‐specific demography of four commercially important deep‐water snappers: implication for fishery management of a long‐lived lutjanid

Lutjanid snappers belonging to the subfamilies Apsilinae and Etelinae are commercially valuable components of tropical deep-water fisheries throughout much of the Indo-Pacific region. Based on age assessment using sagittal otoliths, the age-specific demographic characteristics of four deep-water snappers, Etelis coruscans, Paracaesio caerulea, Pristipomoides filamentosus and Pristipomoides sieboldii, in the Okinawa Islands, southwestern Japan, were examined, and the results were discussed for fishery management. Age validation using edge-type analysis demonstrated that opaque zones in all species were formed once per year and were considered valid annual growth increments. The von Bertalanffy growth equations were also determined for each species. These snappers are long-lived (>50 years for E. coruscans and P. caerulea and >30 years for the two species of Pristipomoides) and relatively slow-growing. The age of acquiring sexual maturity in females was relatively later in E. coruscans, P. caerulea and P. filamentosus than in P. sieboldii. The results revealed differences in the biological traits among these four species; E. coruscans and P. caerulea with long life spans and late maturation are particularly more vulnerable to fishing impact than the two Pristipomoides species. Therefore, further approaches to decrease and control fishing intensity, such as networking of marine-protected areas and regulation to control the numbers of boats and/or the total allowable catch, are necessary for the management of the stock of these species, especially for E. coruscans and P. caerulea.

Comparison of Louisiana Pigtoe (Pleurobema riddellii, Mollusca, Unionidae) growth at three different locations in the Neches River Basin of East Texas

Pleurobema riddellii is a state listed unionid in Texas, proposed for potential USFWS protections. Life history information is critical to determine whether a species warrants protection and to ensure that effective conservation measures are implemented. The Neches River is the only Texas river with substantial numbers of P. riddellii. In 2014, we selected three 25 m2 locations in the Neches River with the highest P. riddellii density and excavated those areas. All P. riddellii were collected, measured, and marked. This was repeated again in 2017. We used the inverted von Bertalanffy growth equation to create growth models for each location and an overall growth model. Models were compared to determine if there were differences between locations. The Highway 294 site had a higher growth rate and smaller individuals and was apparently a younger assemblage. To validate our models, additional P. riddellii were measured and their growth rings were counted. They were compared to the number of rings and sizes calculated by our model. Our overall growth model matched growth parameters calculated for other Pleurobema species, indicating that the model is accurately predicting P. riddellii growth. This study increases our knowledge of P. riddellii life history and can help in planning effective conservation strategies.

GROWTH OF AMUR FLATHEAD ASP PSEUDASPIUS LEPTOCEPHALUS (PALLAS, 1776)

Linear and weight growth of amur flathead asp Pseudaspius leptocephalus is described on the base of the measurements data collected on the lower Amur (from Nizhneleninskoe village to the mouth) in 2004–2018, using von Bertalanffy growth equation. Age was determined for 2240 fish including 1061 females and 528 males. The main specific features of the amur flathead asp growth are the absence of sexual dimorphism in linear growth rate and the absence of the body length differences between females and males, except of the eldest fish. However, the sexual dimorphism is found for the weight growth. A compensatory growth is noted for the amur flathead asp. The amur flathead asp parameters have some geographical variability.

Age, growth and reproductive biology of the saddled seabream (Oblada melanura) in the North Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean

AbstractThis study determines the length distribution, length– weight relationship, age, growth parameters, mortality rate, sex ratios, length at first maturity and reproduction of saddled seabream (Oblada melanura) collected monthly by fishermen around the Northern Aegean Sea between November 2017 and October 2018. The length–weight relationship was calculated asW=0.0091×L3.11(R2=0.95) and positive allometric growth was found. The condition factor and GSI varied between 0.81–1.58 and 0.01–9.61, respectively. The spawning season extended from May to July and peaked in June. Total lengths at 50% maturity were 18.97 cm for males and 18.83 cm for females. Parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth equation were:L∞ =29.91 cm,K=0.27 per year,t0=−0.82 year and age varied between 1 and 8. The instantaneous rates of total mortality (Z) and natural mortality (M) were 1.36 and 0.58 per year, respectively. Rates for fishing mortalityFand exploitationEwere 0.78 and 0.57 per year, respectively. The mean absolute fecundity (F) was 117 075±23 243 oocytes, ranging from 19130 to 470 132.

Population dynamic of Big Eye Scad (Selar crumenophthalmus Bloch, 1793) in Kwandang Waters-Sulawesi Sea

Big eye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus) is one of important small pelagic fish which is exploited in Kwandang waters-Sulawesi Sea. The exploitation of this species has been increasing every year. This research was carried out to study the growth, mortality and exploitation of bigeye scad in the Kwandang waters during January-November 2016. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was derived as Lt = 25.95(1 - e 1,01(t+-0.16374)) with length between 14.9 -26.4 cm FL (average length 18,64 cm). The size at first capture (Lc) was estimated as 18.69 cm. The total, natural and fishing mortality rates were assessed as 4.28, 1.90 and 2.38 year−1, respectively. The exploitation rate (E) of 0.56 per year indicates that the degree of harvesting leads to a more capture condition.. The management that must be applied is to reduce fishing efforts to 12% of the current situation and to consider temporarily closing fishing activities (closing season).

Length-weight relationship and population dynamics study of the giant catfish (Arius thalassinus) in the Bay of Bengal coast of Bangladesh

The present study investigated the length-weight relationship, population parameters and the instantaneous natural mortality rate of Arius thalassinus from two major landing center of Bangladesh using the FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools (FiSAT II). A total of 1789 specimens were collected between January 2016 and December 2017. The estimated values of the exponent “b” was ranged from 3.019 (pre-monsoon) to 3.293 (monsoon), indicating an isometric growth pattern of the species with high correlation coefficients (0.904 to 0.927). The equation of length–weight relationship was: W=0.005L3.181. Model parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth equation were: L∞ = 97.60 cm and K = 0.33-1 year. The estimated growth performance index (Ø) was 3.497. The instantaneous natural mortality rate (M) was 0.62-1 year and a high exploitation rate (E) 0.62 (>0.50) showed that this fish is over-exploited in the Bay of Bengal coast of Bangladesh.
 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.6(3): 439-444, December 2019

Some biology aspects of Indian Scad (Decapterus russelli, Rupell, 1928) in Pemangkat Fisheries Port, West Kalimantan

Absrtact. Indian Scad (Decapterus russelli, Rupell, 1928) is one of small pelagic fish that have important values in the south of China Sea. The objective of the study was to investigate some biology aspects of Indian scad caught by purse seine in the south of China Sea. The research was conducted from March to August 2014. This study used 395 fish samples with size between 14.1-21.9 cmFL (average 18.9 cmFL) and the sex ratio between female and male was 1:1.09. The growth patterns of Indian scad for male and female were positive allometric expressed by the following equation: W=0.0093L3.1309 (R2=0.8719) for male and W=0.0094L3.1359 (R2=0.8576) for female. The condition factors were about 0.25-6.22. Indian scads observed ranged between Maturity stage I and maturity stage V with GI for male and female were 0.056–6.36 % and 0.09 – 6.35 %, respectively. The Von Bertalanffy Growth Equation of Indian scad in the South of China Sea was Lt = 23.60 (1 - e 0.6(t+-0.2789)) with the length of infinity (L∞)=23.60 cmFL, coefficient of growth (K) = 0.6 year-1 and the theoretical age (t0) Indian scad that was equal to (t0) = - 0.2789.

Growth and longevity of the spider crab Libinia ferreirae (Majoidea, Epialtidae)

Abstract We estimated the growth parameters of the spider crab, Libinia ferreirae (age, asymptotic size and growth rate) using the von Bertalanffy growth equation model. We obtained nine cohorts for female carapace asymptotic width (CW∞) = 64.32 mm, growth coefficient (day-1) (k) = 0.0027 e t0= 0.77 days) and seven for males (CW∞ = 81.93 mm, k= 0.0021 e t0= 0.49 days). The longevity for males was higher than that for females, estimated 2,156 days (5.91 years) and 1,706 days (4.68 years), respectively. The growth curves for males and females differed (F = 34.67 e p < 0.001). Males reached gonadal maturity before morphometric maturity and occurred at 8.8 and 16.6 months of life, respectively. Females reach gonad and morphometric maturity synchronously and this was estimated to occur at about 11.42 months of life. These crabs invest a great amount of energy in growth during a brief period of their development until reaching the terminal moult. This growth strategy would bring less wear to the organism and consequently a greater longevity.

Güney-doğu Karadeniz’in Fatsa kıyılarında tirsi balığının, Alosa immaculata Bennett, 1835 populasyon parametreleri

The aim of this study is to estimate population parameters of pontic shad, Alosa immaculata Bennett, 1835 in the Fatsa coast of the south-eastern Black Sea. A total of 314 pontic shad specimens were collected from study area using artisanal fishing gears from March 2013 to February 2014. In the study, parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth equation were found as L∞=43.05 cm; k=0.430 per year and t0=-0.451 year. The growth performance index (Φ') was estimated as 2.90. The total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), fishing mortality rates (F) were calculated as 1.33 year-1, 0.75 year-1 and 0.58 year-1, respectively. The annual instantaneous fishing mortality rate was greater than both the target (Fopt=0.375 year-1) and limit (Flimit=0.50 year-1) biological reference points. Similarly, the present level of exploitation rate (E=0.43) was higher than the exploitation ratio for maximum yield per recruit (Emax=0.375) suggesting that overexploitation occurred. These results showed that this species has been over-exploited in the Fatsa coast of the south-eastern Black Sea. Measures should be taken to reduce the current exploitation rate for sustainable fishing of pontic shad in the Fatsa coast of the south-eastern Black Sea.

Somatic growth and age of selected commercial fish species of the Cullera Coast, Iberian Peninsula, south-east Spain

This work provides data on the somatic growth and age of selected commercial fish species of the Cullera Coast, Spain. The biological information available that permits responsible fishing management of these species is relatively scarce. This study was conducted in the Bay of Cullera, Spain (39º 12’to 38º 59’N, and 0º 09’to 0º 15’W); and selected benthic fish species were analysed that are frequently fished by trammel nets (mesh size 28-76 mm) at a maximum depth of 30 m. Maturity , age and growth of 63 torpedoes, Torpedo torpedo (L., 1758), 115 red scorpionfish, Scorpaena scrofa Linnaeus, 1758, 280 red mullets, Mullus surmuletus Linnaeus, 1758, 139 stargazers, Uranoscopus scaber Linnaeus, 1758, and 476 Portuguese soles, Dagetichthys lusitanicus de Brito Capello, 1868 were analysed. The data obtained in this study revealed that 50% of individuals of all the species reached sexual maturity at a TL (total length) of 20.0-36.5 cm and at an age of 2-6 years. The von Bertalanffy growth equation derived were: TL=37.0 (1 - e(-0.2(t + 0.33))); TL =31.5(1 - e(-0.38(t + 0.54))); TL =35.5(1 - e(-0.2(t + 2.08))); and TL =34.3(1 - e(-0.14(t + 2.16))) for S. scrofa, M. surmuletus; U. scaber and D. lusitanicus respectively.

Population Composition, Growth and Fisheries of Nemipterus randalli Russell, 1986 in Antalya Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, Turkey

Most of the species migrating to the Mediterranean Sea as a result of the Lessepsian migration have been forming a sustainable population. In this study, population composition, growth, and fisheries of Nemipterus randalli Russell, 1986, an Indo-Pacific fish and live in Antalya Gulf, North-East Mediterranean Sea, were analyzed. The monthly samples were collected (N = 1715) by using experimental bottom trawl. The fish size ranges between 3.9 and 23.8 cm in total length, 0.73 and 171.78 g in weight, males are larger than females, and the length-weight relation was estimated as W = 0.0173 × TL 2.8584. The male and female ratio was calculated as 1:1.402, females are predominant in the population. The average condition factor fluctuated seasonally and ranged between 1.089 and 1.346. Five age groups were identified in the population; Von Bertalanffy Growth Equation was estimated as Lt = 32.56 [1-e -0.20 (t+1.75)]. The size, sex, and age composition show that it established a sustainable population in Antalya Gulf, grows well, reproduce and to be an item of bottom trawl fisheries, and sold in small percentages.

Preliminary Estimates of Age, Growth and Natural Mortality of Margate, Haemulon album, and Black Margate, Anisotremus surinamensis, from the Southeastern United States

Ages of margate, Haemulon album (n = 415) and black margate, Anisotremus surinamensis (n = 130) were determined using sectioned sagittal otoliths collected from the Southeastern United States Atlantic coast from 1979 to 2017. Opaque zones were annular, forming between January and June for both species, with peaks in occurrence of otoliths with opaque margins in April for margate and March for black margate. The observed ages for margate were 0–22 years, and the largest fish measured 807 mm TL (total length). Black margate ranged in age from 3 to 17 years, and the largest fish was 641 mm TL. Weight–length relationships were: margate, ln(W) = 2.88 ln(TL) − 10.44 (n = 1327, r2 = 0.97, MSE = 0.02), where W is total weight (grams, g); black margate, ln(W) = 3.02 ln(TL) − 11.10 (n = 451, r2 = 0.95, MSE = 0.01). Von Bertalanffy growth equations were Lt = 731 (1 − e−0.23(t+0.38)) for margate, and Lt = 544 (1 − e−0.13(t+2.61)) for black margate. After re-estimating black margate growth using a bias-correction procedure to account for the lack of younger fish, growth was described by the equation Lt = 523 (1 − e−0.18(t+0.0001)). Age-invariant estimates of natural mortality were M = 0.19 y−1 and M = 0.23 y−1 for margate and black margate, respectively, while age-varying estimates of M ranged from 2.93 −0.23 y−1 for fish aged 0–22 for margate and 7.20 − 0.19 y−1 for fish aged 0–18 for black margate. This study presents the first documentation of life-history parameters for margate from the Atlantic waters off the Southeastern United States, and the first published estimate of black margate life history parameters from any geographic region.

Growth rates of potamidid snails in mangroves in northern Australia

ABSTRACTMudwhelks dominate the sessile invertebrate epifauna of many Indo–West Pacific mangroves. They can be useful in monitoring the health of mangrove communities as they have a shorter lifespan than the trees, but there are few data on the lifespan of these snails. To eliminate this gap, growth rates were obtained using data from tagging experiments fitted to the von Bertalanffy growth equation. Terebralia palustris and T. semistriata were tagged at Mandorah, Northern Territory in May 1999 and remeasured approximately every six months for two years; Telescopium telescopium was added in December 1999. Terebralia palustris and T. semistriata were tagged near Dampier, Western Australia in April 1999 and remeasured quarterly until July 2000. Both species of Terebralia grew faster and larger at Mandorah, near the centre of their ranges; growth and adult sizes were less in Dampier, near their southern range limit. The small (up to 6 cm) Terebralia semistriata matures in about four to six years, T. palustris (up to 19 cm) in 10–12 years and T. telescopium (up to 13 cm) in about 10–12 years. However, the high proportion of adults in some populations of all three species suggest the lifespans may be much longer.

Individual Growth of Anodonta beringiana (Unionidae, Bivalvia) in Postlarval Ontogenesis

Individual linear growth in 26 specimens of Anodonta beringiana is studied by measuring the successive annual rings on the surface of the shells. It is shown that the growth of mollusks is well described by the von Bertalanffy growth equation. The coefficients of this equation do not significantly differ between individuals, averaging k = 0.062 ± 0.011 year–1 and L∞ = 155.8 ± 19.5 mm. Species lifespan, calculated as a product of the growth constant k and the maximum longevity of mussels in the population, is 1.7. This value is close to the average species lifespan of other bivalve species.

Age, Growth, and Natural Mortality of Graysby, Cephalophilis cruentata, from the Southeastern United States

Graysby (Cephalophilis cruentata) (n = 1308) collected from the southeastern United States Atlantic coast from 2001 to 2016 were aged using sectioned sagittal otoliths. Opaque zones formed February to June (peaking in April). Ages ranged from 2 to 21 years, and the largest fish measured 453 mm TL. Growth morph analysis revealed two regionally distinct growth trajectories: von Bertalanffy growth equations were Lt = 388 (1 − e−0.12(t+5.73)) for fish from North Carolina through southeast Florida (northern region), and Lt = 267 (1 − e−0.17(t+6.20)) for fish from the Florida Keys (southern region). When growth was re-estimated using a fixed t0 value of −0.75 to estimate for smaller fish, growth equations were Lt = 349 (1 − e−0.26(t+0.75)) and Lt = 250 (1 − e−0.43(t+0.75)) for fish from the northern and southern regions, respectively. The age-invariant estimate of natural mortality was M = 0.30 for all fish, while age-specific estimates ranged 0.88–0.28 y−1 for fish aged 1–21 from the northern region and 0.89–0.47 y−1 for fish aged 1–15 from the southern region. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of life-history parameters for graysby from the Atlantic waters off the southeastern United States, including specimens from both recreational and commercial fisheries.

Age composition, growth, and mortality of European hake Merluccius merluccius (Actinopterygii: Gadiformes: Merlucciidae) from the northern Aegean Sea, Turkey

Background. This study is the first attempt to acquire information about growth, age composition, and mortality of European hake, Merluccius merluccius (Linneaus, 1758), in the northern Aegean Sea. In Turkey, the hake is a very important commercial species captured with demersal trawls. Therefore the management of the hake fishery is important for the stock sustainability. The aim of this study was to determine the age composition, growth, and mortality of hake from G&ouml;k&ccedil;eada Island, northern Aegean Sea, Turkey. Materials and methods. A total of 2253 hake specimens were collected monthly in three fishing seasons off G&ouml;k&ccedil;eada Island from September 2013 to April 2016 with a commercial trawler. Fish age was estimated based on otoliths. Growth parameters were calculated according to the von Bertalanffy growth equation. Results. The total length ranged from 5.9 cm to 51.2 cm for all individuals. The length&ndash;weight relation was W = 0.0034TL3.2249 (R&sup2; = 0.9655). The age of the fish was estimated to range from 1 to 6 years. Growth parameters were as follows, L&infin; = 88.54 cm, k = 0.1088, t0 = &ndash;0.9962 for males, L&infin; = 102.34 cm, k = 0.0908, t0 = &ndash;1.3105 for females, and L&infin; = 102.66 cm, k = 0.0992, t0 = &ndash;0.8085 for all fish sampled. The total, natural, and fishing mortality ratio of the samples were found as 2.21, 0.57, and 1.64, respectively. Conclusion. The exploitation ratio (E) of the samples was estimated to be 0.74, showing a high fishing pressure on the hake population and it will be the main argument for the need of a strict management on the hake fishery in the area studied. The other argument is the high number of juveniles in the catch composition. It is expected that the results of the presently reported study will contribute to the sustainable fishery for hake. The minimum landing size in the Turkish waters should be increased from 20 cm to 25 cm to ensure at least single breeding of Merluccius merluccius.