Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2016, Vol. 35 ›› Issue (5): 20-28.doi: 10.11978/2015153CSTR: 32234.14.2015153

• Marine Biology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Population structure of Priacanthus macracanthus in the Beibu Gulf, and parameters for its growth, mortality and maturity

ZHANG Kui1, 2, CHEN Zuozhi1, 2, WANG Yuezhong1, 2, SUN Dianrong1, 2, QIU Yongsong1, 2   

  1. 1. South China Sea Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Guangzhou 510300, China; 2. Key Laboratory of South China Sea Fishery Resources Exploitation & Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture, Guangzhou 510300, China
  • Received:2015-12-17 Online:2016-08-29 Published:2016-09-22
  • Contact: Corresponding author: CHEN Zuozhi. E-mail: zzchen2000@163.com
  • Supported by:
    Foundation item: National Natural Science Foundation of China (31602157); Special Scientific Research Funds for Central Non-profit Institutes, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences (2014TS23); Marine Fishery Resources Investigation and Agent Funds, Ministry of Agriculture, China (2014-2018); Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province, China (S2013010013752)

Abstract: The fisheries biology characters of Priacanthus macracanthus, including size composition, sex ratio, gonad maturity, diet, and parameters for its growth, mortality and maturity, were analyzed based on the data collected during 1997-1999 and 2011-2015. Results showed that the dominant body length groups were 110~170 mm during 1997-1999, and 90~150 mm during 2011-2015. The ratios of females to males were higher during 2011-2015 than 1997-1999, except in autumn. The ratios also varied with body length. During 1997-1999, it decreased first and then increased. During 2011-2015, it decreased first, then increased, and again decreased. The estimated first maturity lengths (L50) were 175 and 170 mm for 1997-1999 and 2011-2015, respectively. The average feeding intensity was greater during 2011-2015 than during 1997-1999. It may be attributed to less food competition because of the continuous overfishing and decline of fish abundance. The estimated asymptotic length (L?) and growth parameter (K) calculated by Electronic Length Frequency Analysis I (ELEFANⅠ) were 291 mm and 0.70 a-1, respectively. The estimated total mortality coefficient (Z) and natural mortality coefficient (M) were 4.57 and 1.38, respectively. The exploitation rate of 0.70 indicated this stock was still over-exploited.

Key words: Priacanthus macracanthus, population structure, biological parameters, Beibu Gulf