Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest) (Perciformes, Sciaenidae) in the Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Abstract

The length-weight relationship and spatial, temporal and ontogenetic changes in the condition factor of Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823) were analyzed, from samples collected between October 1998 and September 1999, in the Sepetiba Bay, a coastal area with a wide communication with the sea (22º54'-23º04'S, 43º34'-44º10'W) at Southeast Brazil. The aim was to supply basic information on the form of growth of the population of M. furnieri that uses the bay, as well as to assess changes in the fish condition. Most fish were young and subadults. The length-weight equation, based on 2499 unsexed individuals, was Wt = 0.009095 * Lt2.99, where Wt is the total weight (g) and Lt is the total length (cm). The regression constant and the regression coefficient presented significant inverse relationship (p < 0.01), indicating that the regression coefficient from the length-weight relationship is not a good parameter for characterizing different populations, because its strong association between one another. The best condition was recorded in October/November and April, and the worst, between January and March. Spatially, the best condition was observed in the inner bay zone, where most fish were young-of-the-year, and in the outer zone where predominate larger sized fish, indicating that individuals of intermediary size could be allocating large amount of energy for growth, presenting, consequently, lowest condition. Isometry was detected for M. furnieri populations at Sepetiba Bay, and variations in physiologic condition could be associated to feeding availability, mainly in the inner zone, where the harsh water quality would not be constrained for development of this species

Population aspects of Bryconamericus stramineus in streams of the upper Paraná River basin, Brazil

“…When individuals are born they invest in physical growth, and it is assumed that, being small in size, they are more vulnerable to predation, and the more rapidly they reach theoretical length, the greater are their chances of survival (Costa & Araújo 2003). Therefore, when they reach sexual maturation, part of the stored energy is channeled into reproductive events, which leads to the reduction of growth rate (Vazzoler 1996).…”

Age and growth of the white croaker Micropogonias furnieri (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) in a coastal area of Southeastern Brazilian Bight

“…The white croaker Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823) is a fish of the Sciaenidae family that has a large contribution in landings by both industrial and artisanal fisheries performed in the inner continental shelf and in coastal areas, such bays, estuaries and coastal lagoons (Giannini, Paiva Filho, 1990;Vieira, Castello, 1997;Costa, Araújo, 2003). Despite the wide distribution throughout Central and South American Atlantic coast, the highest white croaker landings occur between the Brazilian southeastern (Costa et al, 2014;Mulato et al, 2015) and the north of Argentina coast (Volpedo, Cirelli, 2006).…”

Length-weight relation, condition factor and gonadosomatic index of the whitemouth croaker, Micropogonias furnieri (Desmarest, 1823) (Actinopterygii: Sciaenidae), caught in Lençóis Bay, state of Maranhão, eastern Amazon, Brazil

“…Studying populations of M. furnieri on Patos Lagoon (state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil), CASTELLO (1986) found positive allometric growth (b=3.15), as did ANDRADE-TUBINO et al (2009) for the same species (b=3.18) in Guanabara Bay (Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil). ARAÚJO and VICENTINI (2001);COSTA and ARAÚJO (2003) found figures close to 3 for the species in Sepetiba Bay (state of Rio de Janeiro), characterizing isometric growth. According to LE CREN (1951), b values range from 2.0 to 4.0, with a value of 3.0 considered ideal for a fish to maintain the same shape during ontogenetic growth.…”