Analysis of the otoliths of sagitta, asteriscus and lapillus of pacific sierra scomberomorus sierra (Pisces: Scombridae) in the coast of colima México

Abstract

Age offish is an important parameter for fisheries assessment; therefore, it was determined for Pacific sierra Scomberomorus sierra by morphological and morphometric analysis of otoliths sagitta, asteriscus and lapillus. Identification of growth rings was also done in the sagittae and asterisci; five growth rings were found: the first ring was formed when the fish measured 19.20 cm, the second at 35.14 cm, the third at 45.80 cm, the fourth at 56.20 cm and the fifth at 64.51 cm of total length. The relationship between length and width of the sagittae is expressed by the equations: y = 0.582 x° 773 (rostrum-antirostrum) and y = 0.372 x0640 (rostrum-width). In the case of the asterisci: y = 0.248 x 0685 (length-width). For the lapilh y = 0.488 x0760 (length-width). Growth of these otoliths was also related to the length of the fish. Differences between sexes were observed. Females presented larger sized otoliths than males from 10 to 40 cm of length; once the gonadic maturity begins, this growth diminishes and males present a larger growth in these structures. © 2011 Academic Journals Inc.