Reproduction, age and length of first maturity of Pacific mackerel Scomber japonicus (Houttuyn, 1872) in Vizcaino Bay
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Abstract
The spawning period, length and age at first maturity of Scomber japonicus were determined from fish measuring 173 to 383 mm, sampled monthly from commercial purse-seinc catches in Vizcaíno Bay from 1984 to 1986. Macroscopic observations of the gonads indicate an annual spawning period from April to August with a maximum in June. Two condition factors and the monthly growth rate in weight per age varied with the spawning period. Otoliths were used to determine age. Length and age at first maturity were 293 mm standard length and 4.3 years, respectively. An important proportion of four-year-old and older mature females suggests that these ages contribute significantly to the spawning biomass.
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