Length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of the Stone Scorpionfish Scorpaena mystes in the central area of the Gulf of California, Mexico

Abstract

Length-weight relationship and relative condition factor of the Stone Scorpionfish Scorpaena mystes in the central area of the Gulf of California, MexicoRelación longitud-peso y factor de condición relativo del pez escorpión roquero Scorpaena mystes en la parte central del Golfo de California, México

Age and growth of stone scorpionfish (Scorpaena mystes) from the Gulf of California in Mexico

“…The characteristics of the length-weight relationship indicate an isometric growth pattern for both males and females. Similar results were reported for this species even when males and females were not analyzed separately (Jakes-Cota et al, 2017). In contrast to these findings, it has been reported that other species of the genus Scorpaena, such as the black scorpionfish (S. porcus) (Bilgin and Çelik, 2009;Demirhan and Can, 2009), Madeira rockfish (S. maderensis) (La Mesa et al, 2005), and small red scorpionfish (S. notata) (Neves et al, 2015), commonly have positive allometric growth.…”

“…Similar results were reported for this species even when males and females were not analyzed separately (Jakes-Cota et al, 2017). In contrast to these findings, it has been reported that other species of the genus Scorpaena, such as the black scorpionfish (S. porcus) (Bilgin and Çelik, 2009;Demirhan and Can, 2009), Madeira rockfish (S. maderensis) (La Mesa et al, 2005), and small red scorpionfish (S. notata) (Neves et al, 2015), commonly have positive allometric growth. However, as in our study of the stone scorpionfish and in studies of other scorpionfish species, such as the blackbelly rosefish (Helicolenus dactylopterus) (Massutí et al, 2000), results also indicate isometric growth.…”

“…This finding indicates conditions (e.g., low temperatures and scarce food) are unfavorable in our study area and may limit growth (Le Cren, 1951). The annual periodicity of annulus formation in otoliths has been reported for other scorpionfish species, such as the black scorpionfish (Bilgin and Çelik, 2009;Demirhan and Can, 2009;La Mesa et al, 2010), small red scorpionfish (Scarcella et al, 2011;Neves et al, 2015), Madeira rockfish (La Mesa et al, 2005), and blackbelly rosefish (Massutí et al, 2000).…”

“…The meat of stone scorpionfish is considered to be of excellent quality and has high commercial value; as a result, this species has become an important fishery resource (Jakes-Cota et al, 2017). Historically, however, this species has not been sought after commercially because venom glands located along the spines of the fins can cause painful injuries and severe respiratory disorders (Poss, 1995); it has long been a secondary priority species in the artisanal fishery in the Gulf of California.…”