Striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus, Linnaeus, 1758) in the eastern English Channel and southern North Sea: growth and reproductive biology

摘要: Biological information is necessary for population structure assessment of economically important species. There are no known published studies on the age and reproduction Mullus surmuletus in north Bay Biscay. The aim this study was to estimate growth reproductive biology species eastern English Channel southern North Sea from 1089 individuals, observed February December 2004. length–weight relationship described by parameters: a = 3.284.10−6 b 3.243, being allometrically positive. Ages were determined increments otoliths, used entirely after burning treatment. Marginal-increment analysis showed an annual periodicity increment formation. Von Bertalanffy equations estimated as TLt 51.2(1−e−0.19(t+2.904)) females 36.0(1−e−0.218(t+3.232)) males. Comparing performance index (φ′ 2.676) others studies, positive gradient suggested M. south its distribution area. Females grew significantly faster reached larger size at than Length 50% maturity 16.9 16.2 cm, respectively, males, corresponding 1 year both sexes. In Channel, according gonadosomatic indices (GSI) stages, spawning period May July. present description red mullet life history characteristics region may constitute preliminary step future dynamics modelling stock exercises.