Gonadal maturity scale of Peruvian rock seabass Paralabrax humeralis (Valenciennes, 1828)

Abstract

In this paper we validate the macroscopic gonad maturity scale of Paralabrax humeralis. 197 ovaries and 188 testes from the Demersal Fishery Monitoring System and Demersal Trawl Surveys in 2005 (January-February and May-June) were analyzed. On the basis of histological analysis it was assigned to each individual a macroscopic maturity stage. The description of maturity stages ranging from stage 0 (virgin) to stage 5 (recovery in females, post expulsion in males) were performed. A comparison with scales previously performed was performed also discussing the benefits of its use.