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Age estimation using analysis of otoliths in a population Dactylopterus volitans

Abstract:

A total of 345 samples of Dactylopterus volitans, which were collected monthly from March 2002 to March 2003 around the Cubagua Island, Nueva Esparta state were examined. In these organisms were estimated ages using the growth rings and the total radius of the sagittal otoliths (direct method). The population consisted of a range of total length ranging from 71 to 363 mm, with the highest percentage for size class 120 and 200 mm. Growth parameters of the curve in length were determined using von Bertalanffy model. The counting of annual rings in otoliths, allowed establishing four age groups. The calculation of marginal increases in monthly growth of otoliths, presented the highest values in June and October and the lowest December 2002, January, February and March 2003. The length growth parameters were: L∞= 450 mm, K= 0.26 years-1and to = 0.13, suggesting that it is a kind of long life and moderately rapid growth. The growth parameters in length D. volitans indicate that although you have a rapid growth in the first years take long to reach its asymptotic.