Distribution and density of juveniles of Lutjanus peru (Nichols and Murphy, 1922) (Pisces: Lutjanidae) on the coast of Jalisco and Colima, Mexico

Abstract

The abundance and bathymetric distribution of juveniles of Lutjanus peru on the continental shelf of Jalisco and Colima, Mexico, were analyzed. Shrimp trawl samples were taken from three expeditions during one year. A total of 641 juveniles of L. peru were caught, ranging in total length from 3.7 to 21.9 cm and in weight from 0.6 to 153 g. The juveniles exhibited an aggregate spatial distribution pattern. Significant differences were observed in the bathymetric distribution of the organisms, since their occurrence was limited to shallow waters between 20 and 40 m depth. Two size classes were identified during the May-June cruise (DEM I) and the March cruise (DEM III), but only one class was found in the November-December cruise (DEM II). According to the growth model known for the species, the two size classes found could be of 1 and 1.5 years, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the individual sizes and weights among sites during DEM I and DEM III, whereas the average sizes and weights of DEM II were homogeneous among sites. The juveniles presented isometric growth in the size ranges analyzed.