Resumo

SARABIA-MENDEZ, Marcela; GALLARDO-CABELLO, Manuel; ESPINO-BARR, Elaine  e  ANISLADO-TOLENTINO, Vicente. Characteristics of population dynamics of Lutjanus guttatus (Pisces: Lutjanidae) in Bufadero Bay, Michoacan, Mexico. Hidrobiológica [online]. 2010, vol.20, n.2, pp.147-157. ISSN 0188-8897.

Analysis of scales of Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869) allowed the identification of three growth rings. Similar data were obtained with kernel density method. Values of the von Bertalanffy's growth equation are: L_∞ = 96.60 cm, W_∞ = 7,508 g, K = 0.22 years^-1 and t₀ = -0.10 years. Maximum values of the condition factor occur during February and June and were preceded by two months of high values of the gastric repletion index. Maximum reproductive period was during April and August. Recruitment periods were from November to January and April to June. The recruitment length is 16 cm. The highest values of the hepatosomatic index are during December to June and showed an inversely proportional relation to the gonadosomatic index. First sexual maturity length is 30.63 cm and its longevity of 13.5 years. Forty one percent of L. guttatus individuals captured in Bufadero Bay are sexually immature, therefore we suggest a minimum capture size of 45 cm (age 2.5 years) and a closed season from August to September.

Palavras-chave : Life cycle parameters; von Bertalanffy's growth equation; longevity; recruitment; fishery.