Abstract

WAKIDA-KUSUNOKI, Armando T.  and  AMADOR-DEL ANGEL, Luis Enrique. Biological aspects of the invasor plecos Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Teleostei: Loricariidae) from Palizada River, Campeche, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2011, vol.82, n.3, pp.870-878. ISSN 2007-8706.

Abundance, length-weight relationship and gonad somatic index of Pterygoplichthys pardalis in Palizada River, Mexico were analyzed. Monthly samplings were carried out from June 2008 to May 2009 with gill nets. A total of 118 plecos were catched; theirs sizes were between 222 and 422.5 mm of total longitude (TL) and weight between 72.8 to 385.4 g. The highest abundance period was found from June to August, with not statistical differences between their values in the different periods of the day (p≤ 0.05). The abundance index was correlationed with river level and gonad somatic index. The gonad somatic index showed that the spawning season occurs from May to August; however, females with well developed gonads were observed during all sampling period. The parameters of the length-weight relationship for both sexes are: b= 2.78 and a= 0.0003. The comparison of this relationship between both sexes is not significant (p≤ 0.05). It is necessary that efforts be made to eradicate this species through incentives to fishermen during bigger vulnerability and of more reproductive activity period.

Keywords : Pterygoplichthys pardalis; reproductive season; length-weight relationship; gonad somatic index; Palizada River; México.

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