Age and growth estimates of the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas, from the northern Gulf of Mexico

摘要: Length at age and growth rates for 59 bull sharks, Carcharhinus leucas, collected from the northern Gulf of Mexico were estimated band patterns formed seasonally in vertebral centra. The combined length data both sexes applied to a von Bertalanffy model producing parameter estimates L∞ = 285 cm TL, K .076, t0 −3.0 yr. Lengths males females similar except that did not attain as great females. Growth was apparently slow varied among individuals, but general, be 15–20 yr−1 first five years, 10 years 6–10, 5–7 11–16, less than 4–5 thereafter. Males mature 210–220 TL or 14–15 yr age; at>225 18+ age. largest male (245 TL) 21.3 old; female (268 24.2 old.