Abstract

MERAZ, Juan; MONTOYA MARQUEZ, José Alberto; AVILA NAHON, Edith  and  REYES SANCHEZ, Laurentino. Growth monitoring during captivity of the American Crocodile Crocodylus acutus along its first year. Hidrobiológica [online]. 2008, vol.18, n.2, pp.125-136. ISSN 0188-8897.

An aspect to consider during the captivity of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), is that related to the individuals growth. In order to evaluate this issue, four natural nests from La Ventanilla, Oaxaca were selected, and kept in captivity one year. Based on monthly measurements of length and weight several growth models were applied. Allometric growth was observed due to the positive relationship between length and weight. Of the two parameter growth models used, the lineal type was the most appropriated. Of the three parameter growth models used, the von Bertalanffy type was the most adequate. Mean growth for the studied individuals was 0.614 mm day^-1, or 1.84 cm month^-1. This represents low values in comparison to other studies from Jalisco, Mexico and Brasil. Therefore, we consider it important to check the conditions that prevail during captivity.

Keywords : Crocodylus acutus; von Bertalanffy; La Ventanilla; growth.