Biological and fisheries aspects of Carangoides otrynter (Jordan & Gilbert, 1883) a non native species of Peru. Pacasmayo, 2016

Abstract

Some biology aspects of Carangoides otrynter, which were collected from artisanal fishing landings in Puerto Pacasmayo on 13 and 22 February 2016, were determined. The structure was defined by size, microscopic gonadal maturity, stomach content, and age. The catch was made with curtain nets of 76.2 mm and 88.9 mm of mesh size, at depths of 5.5 to 14.6 m in El Loro, Dos Cabezas, El Faro, Santa Elena, Puémape, El Milagro, and Chérrepe, which are characterized by having rocky-muddy bottoms. This species was caught as an accompanying fauna for other coastal fish such as Mugil cephalus, Paralonchurus peruanus, Sciaena deliciosa, Ethmidium maculatum, Anisotremus scapularis, and Oplegnathus insignis. The size of C. otrynter ranged from 23 to 29 cm in total length, mode was 26 cm, and mean length was 26.5 cm. The sex ratio was statistically equal in females and males. The ovaries were 100% virgin and the testicles were 80% mature and 20% at maturation. Anchoveta was the only prey, with total length ranging from 81 to 105 mm. The age of C. otrynter corresponded to individuals less than 1-year-old. We conclude that the individuals of this species, which is not native to the Peruvian sea, are immature juveniles between 6 and 8 months of age, whose habitat is related to rocky-muddy bottoms; nevertheless, their diet is oriented to the anchoveta resource.