Age and growth of Pacific golden-eye tilefish (Caulolatilus affinis) in the central region of the Gulf of California

Abstract

Age, growth, and the length-weight relationship were estimated for the Pacific golden-eye tilefish Caulolatilus affinis captured by the artisanal fishery in the central region of the Gulf of California. The size and weight structure differed between sexes, males being larger and heavier than females; however, differences in the length-weight relationship were not detected and the slope value (b = 2.66) showed that it was a negative allometric relationship. The youngest and oldest organisms were 3 and 21 years old, respectively. The age structure showed differences between sexes, males being more abundant at older ages and females at younger ones. The dominant age group for females was 11 years old and for males, 16 years old. The von Bertalanffy growth model fitted adequately the mean size and age data; the model parameters were L_∞ = 432.32 mm total length, k = 0.232 mm yr^–1, and t₀ = 0.164 yr for males, and L_∞ = 422.99 mm total length, k = 0.245 mm yr^–1, and t₀ = –0.095 yr for females. Differences in individual growth and growth rate between males and females were not detected. According to the age structure and growth pattern, C. affinis is a slow-growing, medium-lived species. Our results suggest that C. affinis is underexploited in the central Gulf of California because it is a non-target species.