Growth of alfonsino Beryx splendens Lowe 1834 in the South-West Indian of alfonsino Beryx splendens Lowe 1834 in the South-West Indian Ocean

Abstract

Age and growth of alfonsino Beryx splendens from South-West Indian Ocean seamounts were studied based on whole otolith readings. Ages of the fish under study ranged between one year and 14 years (15.5–43.5cm fork length). Age distribution was related to depth. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for males were L∞= 49.1cm, K = 0.099 year^–1 and t₀ = –4.11 years, and L∞ = 57.1cm, K = 0.081 year^–1 and t₀ = –4.16 years for females, obtained by length-age pair values. For all individuals the von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞ = 53.5cm, K = 0.085 year^–1 and t₀ = –4.33 years. There were no differences in the growth parameters between males and females. Also, the growth parameters of the alfonsino under study did not differ between those of alfonsino from New Caledonia and the Izu Islands (Japan), but they differed significantly from those from New Zealand.

Keywords: age, alfonsino, Beryx splendens, growth, Indian Ocean

African Journal of Marine Science 2006, 28(1): 33–40