Abstract

PERERA-GARCIA, MA; MENDOZA-CARRANZA, M  and  PARAMO-DELGADILLO, S. Reproductive and population dynamics of common snook Centropomus undecimalis (Perciformes: Centropomidae) in Barra San Pedro, Centla, Mexico. Universidad y ciencia [online]. 2008, vol.24, n.1, pp.49-59. ISSN 0186-2979.

The reproductive and population biology of exploited populations of the common snook Centropomus undecimalis was analysed in this study. Biological samples were obtained from the fish landings of the fishing cooperatives with greater constancy and contributions in volume in the snook fishery. The standard length, eviscerated weight and sex of 438 organisms were recorded monthly during 19 months. The most frequent sizes were 70 to 95 cm standard length. Significant differences were recorded between male and female lengths (Kruskal Wallis; p < 0.05). Males represented 69% and females 31%, with a male:female ratio of 2.2:1. The total sex ratio presented significant differences (p < 0.05). The length-weight ratio did not differ between females and males (ANCOVA, p > 0.05). An eviscerated weight curve was determined, Pev = (0.0106) x (LS)2.9595, with an isometric growth of b = 3. The gonadosomatic index recorded its maximum values in August 2004 (1.56) and July 2005 (1.52) for females, and in March 2004 (1.67) for males. The standard maturity length (L50) in females and males was estimated at 85 and 68 cm respectively, whereas the standard sexual maturity length (L₁₀₀) was estimated at 100 cm for females and 90 cm for males. A decrease in fishing in spawning areas during the reproductive period is recommended to protect this species. It is necessary to increase studies on the migratory processes of the common snook throughout the different habitats it occupies, as well as on how these processes are related to the reproductive events of this species.

Keywords : Fishery; population dynamics; reproduction; Centropomus undecimalis; Tabasco.