Age determination and growth estimation from otolith micro-increments and fin spine sections of blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) in the western North Pacific

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (12) ◽  
pp. 1116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamaki Shimose ◽  
Kotaro Yokawa ◽  
Katsunori Tachihara
Keyword(s):  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Age Determination ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Annual Growth ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Blue Marlin ◽  
Makaira Nigricans ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Growth Estimation ◽  
Fin Spines

Age determination and growth estimation of blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) were performed by combining method of otolith micro-increment counts of 27 young (17–185-cm lower jaw–fork length, LJFL) and sectioned dorsal fin spines of 571 adult individuals (155–352cm). Otolith micro-increments were counted with ages of 26–338 days old. The estimated mean length (185cm) at Year 1 and growth rate were used to predict the position of the first annual growth band in sectioned fin spines. Distinct growth bands were formed in fin spines annually between September and October. Indistinct growth bands were considered false-annual growth bands. The observed and back-calculated LJFLs at each age were highly variable for both sexes. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated using mean back-calculated LJFL data as: L∞=295cm, k=0.23, t0=–3.31 years for females and 212cm, 0.29, –4.49 years for males. Females grew to >200cm in 2 years and to >250cm in 5 years on average, whereas the growth of males slowed appreciably after they reached the age of 1 year. This is the first study of blue marlin growth for entire life stages.

Assessing growth band counts from vertebrae and dorsal-fin spines for ageing sharks: comparison of four methods applied to Heterodontus portusjacksoni

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (9) ◽  
pp. 898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Tovar-Ávila ◽  
Christopher Izzo ◽  
Terence I. Walker ◽  
J. Matías Braccini ◽  
Robert W. Day
Keyword(s):  
Shark Species ◽  
Systematic Bias ◽  
Age Validation ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Visible Growth ◽  
Port Jackson ◽  
First Time ◽  
Fin Spines

Four methods for counting growth bands using vertebrae and dorsal-fin spines of the Port Jackson shark, Heterodontus portusjacksoni, are compared. Both calcified structures presented observable growth bands, allowing cross comparison among structures for the first time in a shark species. Whole and sectioned vertebrae and dorsal fin-spines possess highly visible growth bands and intra-reader band counts resulted in similar precision indices with little systematic bias. However, inter-reader growth band count plots showed possible biases in counts from sectioned vertebrae and sectioned dorsal-fin spines. Sectioned vertebrae and whole and sectioned dorsal-fin spines produced similar growth band counts, whereas whole vertebrae produced significantly lower counts. The similar readability, precision indices, growth band counts and apparent absence of biases between counts for a single reader would indicate that sectioned vertebrae and whole and sectioned dorsal-fin spines are both potentially useful and acceptable methods for band counting. However, inter-reader comparisons are necessary to avoid acceptance of biased estimations, resulting in over- or under-estimations of age. Validation for all age classes is essential to determining accurate age estimations for this and other species.

Life history parameters of blue jack mackerel Trachurus picturatus (Teleostei: Carangidae) from north-east Atlantic

2014 ◽  
Vol 95 (2) ◽  
pp. 401-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Garcia ◽  
João g. Pereira ◽  
Ângela Canha ◽  
Dália Reis ◽  
Hugo Diogo
Keyword(s):  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Biological Information ◽  
Von Bertalanffy ◽  
Jack Mackerel ◽  
East Atlantic ◽  
Calculated Length ◽  
North East ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Marginal Increment

Blue jack mackerel Trachurus picturatus monthly samples were collected between 1998 and 2011 to determine morphometric relationships, maturity, growth rates, reproduction and spawning seasonality in north-east Atlantic waters (ICES area Xa2). A total of 2895 specimens were sampled, ranging from 98 to 542 mm in fork-length (LF). The morphometric relationships (length-length and length-weight) showed statistically significant differences between sexes. Ages were estimated by counting growth bands on otoliths and verified by marginal increment analysis, with specimens ranging from 0 to 18 years. The von Bertalanffy models used to estimate growth parameters for both observed and back-calculated length-at-age data gave good fits. The gonads were analysed macroscopically and the spawning season found to occur from December to May. The length at 50% maturity for females and males occurred at 277 mm LF (4.3 years) and 288 mm LF (5.1 years), respectively. The results provide important biological information for fisheries assessment of a species that plays an important key role in the surrounding ecosystem.

Length‐Weight Relationship (LWR), Growth estimation and Length at maturity of Eleutheronema tetradactylus in the Chilika Lagoon, India

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 97-102
Author(s):  
S. K. Karna ◽  
D. K. Sahoo ◽  
S. Panda
Keyword(s):  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Growth Function ◽  
Chilika Lagoon ◽  
Growth Coefficient ◽  
Logistic Equations ◽  
Weight Relationship ◽  
Von Bertalanffy Growth Function ◽  
Growth Estimation ◽  
Future Management

An attempt was made to study the length‐weight relationship (LWR), growth and length at 50% maturity (L50) of Eleuthronema tetradactylus (Sahala) in Chilika lagoon, which will helpful for the future management of the stocks as well as the lagoon. For LWR study, a total of 255 fish specimens collected from April 2008 to May 2009 of which fork length (FL) and body weight (BW) were measured to the nearest 0.1cm and 0.01g respectively. The equation, y = 4E‐06x3.115 found from the study where the computed condition factor (a), growth coefficient (b) and regression coefficient (r2) were 4E‐06, 3.115 and 0.996 respectively. In total, 3356 number of specimen measured to study growth of the species. The estimated growth parameters found from von Bertalanffy Growth Function (VBGF) i.e., Linf(cm), K, and t0 were 78.1cm, 0.15, and ‐0.47 respectively. Logistic equations used to estimate the length at 50% maturity (L50) of a total of 68 specimens, sampled from April 2008 to May 2009. The estimated L50 was 315mmFL.

scholarly journals Bomb dating and age determination of large pelagic sharks

2002 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 450-455 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven E Campana ◽  
Lisa J Natanson ◽  
Sigmund Myklevoll
Keyword(s):  
Age Determination ◽  
Shark Species ◽  
Apex Predators ◽  
Age Validation ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Shortfin Mako ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Bomb Radiocarbon ◽  
The 1960S ◽  
Vertebral Growth

Despite their notoriety and role as apex predators, the longevity of large pelagic sharks such as the porbeagle (Lamna nasus) and shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is unknown. Vertebral growth bands provide an accurate indicator of age in young porbeagle, but age validation has never been reported for any large shark species past the age of sexual maturity. Here, we report the first application of bomb radiocarbon as an age validation method for long-lived sharks based on date-specific incorporation of radiocarbon into vertebral growth bands. Our results indicate that porbeagle vertebrae recorded and preserved a bomb radiocarbon pulse in growth bands formed during the 1960s. Through comparison of radiocarbon assays in young, known-age porbeagle collected in the 1960s with the corresponding growth bands in old porbeagle collected later, we confirm the validity of porbeagle vertebral growth band counts as accurate annual age indicators to an age of at least 26 years. The radiocarbon signatures of porbeagle vertebral growth bands appear to be temporally and metabolically stable and derived mainly from the radiocarbon content of their prey. Preliminary radiocarbon assays of shortfin mako vertebrae suggest that current methods for determining shortfin mako age are incorrect.

scholarly journals Modelling several morphometric relationships of swordfish (Xiphias gladius), black marlin (Makaira indica) and blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) caught from Indonesian longliners in the eastern Indian Ocean

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bram Setyadji ◽  
Irwan Jatmiko ◽  
Arief Wujdi
Keyword(s):  
Indian Ocean ◽  
Growth Pattern ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Allometric Growth ◽  
Standard Measurement ◽  
Blue Marlin ◽  
Makaira Nigricans ◽  
Lower Jaw ◽  
The Indian Ocean ◽  
Xiphias Gladius

This paper presents several equations for converting among measures of size (length and weight) for swordfish (Xiphias gladius), black marlin (Makaira indica) and blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) caught by Indonesian longliners in the Indian Ocean. The equations use for transforming non-standard measurement i.e. eye fork length (EFL) and pectoral fork length (PFL) to standard measurement, lower jaw fork length (LJFL). The paper also discussed about the length-weight relationship, including converting from non-standard length (EFL and PFL) to round weight. The result showed that both PFL and EFL were positively related to LJFL but there were no significant differences existed between females and males among length measures for swordfish, blue marlin, and black marlin (ANCOVA, P>0.05). All regression equation models were considered to be valid (P<0.01) with coefficient of determinations (r2) ranged from 0.81-0.99. Allometric growth pattern was statistically observed for all swordfish (b=2.94, r2=0.94), black marlin (b=3.12; r2=0.90) and blue marlin (b=3.30; r2=0.91).

Blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) longevity estimates confirmed with bomb radiocarbon dating

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allen H. Andrews ◽  
Robert L. Humphreys ◽  
Jeffery D. Sampaga
Keyword(s):  
Fork Length ◽  
Age Validation ◽  
Blue Marlin ◽  
Makaira Nigricans ◽  
Lower Jaw ◽  
Chemical Signatures ◽  
Bomb Radiocarbon ◽  
Dating Method ◽  
The Tropical Pacific ◽  
Age Reading

The longevity of blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) remains unresolved. The use of fin spines and sagittal otoliths for age reading has led to unconfirmed longevity estimates near 20–30 years. Age validation has been elusive because large individuals are uncommonly caught, and a technique that can be applied to structures that provide estimates of age was absent. The use of otolith chemical signatures has been limited by sagittal otoliths that are very small — whole otolith mass of adult blue marlin rarely exceeds 10 mg for the largest fish. Recent advances in the detection limits of radiocarbon (14C) with accelerator mass spectrometry — coupled with recently acquired knowledge of marine bomb 14C signals spanning the tropical Pacific Ocean — have led to an opportunity to age blue marlin from small amounts of otolith material. In this study, otoliths from a recently collected 1245 lb (565 kg) female blue marlin at a measured 146-inch (371 cm) lower jaw fork length were analyzed for 14C. Estimated longevity was either 12–21 or 32–44 years on the basis of bomb 14C dating. Using multiple lines of evidence, it was determined that the young age scenario was most likely, with evidence for an age close to 20 years using a series of deductions in the bomb 14C dating method.

Direct determination of age in shrimps, crabs, and lobsters

2012 ◽  
Vol 69 (11) ◽  
pp. 1728-1733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raouf Kilada ◽  
Bernard Sainte-Marie ◽  
Rémy Rochette ◽  
Neill Davis ◽  
Caroline Vanier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Determination ◽  
Direct Determination ◽  
Growth Curves ◽  
Accurate Method ◽  
Gastric Mill ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Growth Bands ◽  
Chemical Tags ◽  
Age Structured ◽  
Multiple Species

The detection and measurement of annual growth bands preserved in calcified structures underlies the assessment and management of exploited fish populations around the world. However, the estimation of growth, mortality, and other age-structured processes in crustaceans has been severely limited by the apparent absence of permanent growth structures. Here, we report the detection of growth bands in calcified regions of the eyestalk or gastric mill in shrimps, crabs, and lobsters. Comparison of growth band counts with reliable, independent estimates of age strongly suggests that the bands form annually, thus providing a direct and accurate method of age determination in all of the species examined. Chemical tags in the lobster cuticle were retained through one or two molts that occurred over the duration of an experiment, as apparently was the mesocardiac ossicle containing the growth bands in the gastric mill. Growth bands are not the previously documented lamellae of the endocuticle, and their formation was not associated with molting. Sex-specific growth curves were readily developed from growth band examination in multiple species, suggesting that routine measurement of growth and mortality in decapod crustaceans may now be possible.

scholarly journals Description of dermal denticles from the caudal region of Raja clavata and their use for the estimation of age and growth

2008 ◽  
Vol 65 (9) ◽  
pp. 1701-1709 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. Serra-Pereira ◽  
I. Figueiredo ◽  
I. Farias ◽  
T. Moura ◽  
L. S. Gordo
Keyword(s):  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Growth Models ◽  
Age Determination ◽  
Maximum Size ◽  
Age And Growth ◽  
Growth Band ◽  
Caudal Region ◽  
Vertebral Centra ◽  
Raja Clavata ◽  
Dermal Denticle

Abstract Serra-Pereira, B., Figueiredo, I., Farias, I., Moura, T., and Gordo, L. S. 2008. Description of dermal denticles from the caudal region of Raja clavata and their use for the estimation of age and growth. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1701–1709. This work is a response to a lack of knowledge of the biology of Raja clavata in southern European waters, particularly in terms of age and growth. Two structures were analysed: dermal denticles and vertebral centra. Six types of dermal denticle were identified in the tail. Among those, small thorns were the most suitable for age determination owing to their fixed position, persistence throughout their lifespan, and defined growth-band pattern. Caudal thorns were more accurate than vertebral centra for age determination and were therefore selected as the most appropriate structure for ageing R. clavata. Based on edge analysis, annual band deposition was verified. The birthdate was established as 1 June based on the prevalence of hyaline edges in age-0 class specimens: prevalence peaked in May and June. Both von Bertalanffy and Gompertz growth models were fitted to age-at-length data, but the former was considered more appropriate based on similarity between the estimated L∞ and the maximum size recorded for the species. No significant differences in growth parameters were observed between sexes. The estimated growth parameters were L∞ = 1280 mm, k = 0.117 year−1, and t0 = −0.617 years. The maximum age estimated for R. clavata was 10 years, for a female of length 835 mm.

Morphological Discrimination between the Dorsal-fin Spines of the Blue Marlin Makaira nigricans: Reducing Biases in Age and Growth Estimations

2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (6) ◽  
pp. 643-658
Author(s):  
U. Jakes-Cota ◽  
R. Rodriguez- ◽  
H. Villalobos ◽  
S. Ortega- Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Age And Growth ◽  
Dorsal Fin ◽  
Blue Marlin ◽  
Makaira Nigricans ◽  
Fin Spines

Estimating Growth Parameters for Pacific Halibut from Mark–Recapture Data

1981 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 394-398 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald A. McCaughran
Keyword(s):  
Growth Curve ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Fork Length ◽  
Minimum Variance ◽  
Population Parameters ◽  
Pacific Halibut ◽  
Unbiased Estimates ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Growth Estimation

The parameters in the model L(t) = αtβ were estimated for each fish from mark and recapture lengths. The individual estimates of the parameters were combined to give minimum variance unbiased estimates for the population parameters lnα and β. The age-specific lengths of halibut were found to fit a lognormal distribution; hence, the model was fitted to the median of the lengths instead of the mean. The median of the estimator [Formula: see text] is equal to the population median fork length at time t. In this sense the estimator is "median unbiased." As an example of the method, a growth curve is fitted to a group of halibut born between 1961 and 1965 and recaptured in the Yakutat region.Key words: Pacific halibut, growth, estimation

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