Age and growth of the Pacific hake, Merluccius productus (Actinopterygii: Gadiformes: Merlucciidae), in the Gulf of California: A multimodel approach

Abstract

Over the past decade, the fishery of Pacific hake, Merluccius productus (Ayres, 1855), has increased in the Gulf of California, Mexico; therefore, any biological–fisheries information is highly relevant for the management of this fishery, and information on age and individual growth would be fundamental to evaluate populations. The objective of the presently study was to assess age, based on otolith structure, and estimate growth parameters through a multimodel approach. Specimens were collected during research cruises of BIP XI from 2014 to 2019. Pacific hake from the Gulf of California ranged in length from 12.5 to 105 cm TL, reaching a maximum age of 13 years, and females were four years older than males. The logistic model was the best model to describe age–size data for both sexes. Females reached 50% of the maximum length at five years old and males reached that length at four years old.