Age, growth, and reproductive biology of the Waigieu seaperch Psammoperca waigiensis (Perciformes: Latidae) around Okinawa Island, Japan

• Published in: Ichthyological research Vol. 53; no. 2; pp. 166 - 171
• Main Authors: Shimose, T.(Ryukyu Univ., Nishihara, Okinawa (Japan). Faculty of Science), Tachihara, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo Springer Nature B.V 01-05-2006
• Subjects: AGE; Aquaculture; BREEDING SEASONS; CRECIMIENTO; CROISSANCE; EDAD; EPOCA DE APAREAMIENTO; ESTATOLITOS; Females; Fish; GROWTH; Marine; Perciformes; PSAMMOPERCA WAIGIENSIS; REPRODUCCION; REPRODUCTION; SAISON D'ACCOUPLEMENT; Spawning; STATOLITHE; STATOLITHS; Japan, Nansei-Shoto, Okinawa Prefect., Okinawa I; ISEW, Japan, Nansei-shoto, Okinawa
• ISSN: 1341-8998; 1616-3915
• DOI: 10.1007/s10228-005-0330-2

Age, growth, and reproductive biology of the Waigieu seaperch Psammoperca waigiensis were studied using 291 specimens obtained around Okinawa Island, Japan. Otolith opaque zones that formed every year correlated with spawning activity and were thought to be annual rings. Growth of this species was rapid during the first 2 years, reaching 186.2-270.3mm in standard length (SL). Females (196.6-334.0mm SL) were larger than males (186.2-288.6mm SL), caused by differential growth between sexes, which started before 2 years of age. Most of the specimens were 1-11 years old and accounted for 96% in total. Spawning season was estimated to be from April to October by gonadosomatic index (GSI) and histological observation. The smallest mature female and male were 217.0mm SL (2 years) and 206.0mm SL (2 years), respectively. After recruitment in rocky areas up to about 200.0mm SL and 2 years of age, Psammoperca waigiensis were then found to soon mature.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]