Biology and fishery of the fine flounder Paralichthys adspersus, with special reference to northern Peruvian marine littoral, Departamento de Lambayeque

Abstract

The Fine Flounder Paralichthys adspersus (Steindachner), is distributed along the Peruvian marine littoral and it is catched by the artisanal fishery. This species migrate to depths as 200 m, when changes in the distribution of the water masses are produced, mainly by El Niño Event. The study was realized in IMARPE Laboratory in San José, during 1991-1997, based on samples collected in Lambayeque fishing area (06°-07°20'S). This species is predator, that preys on the predominant species of fishes living in the same habitat. The immature gonadal stage (1) was not registered in the samples collected. The highest frequency of the mature (IV, V) and spawning stages (VI) occurs from October to February (Spring and Summer). The mean length of spawning was 60,4 cm in female and 43,1 cm in males. In samples catched, specimens of 1 and 2 years old were not found, probably due to the selectivity of the fishing gears. The males were smaller, with ages until 5 years old; and the females had greater lengths and ages until 9 years old. The growth parameters were estimated as: L 87,8 cm, P = 9,118 g; K = 0,20/year; to = 0,46. The relative abundance indexes, estimated as capture/trip, capture/small inlet, capture/landing area, were calcu- lated between 178,1 kg in Puerto Pizarro and 0,9 kg in Parachique and the mean/port was 21,8 kg/catch trip; 14,5 k/catch day and 314 kg/boat/month/port. In Lambayeque fishing area these indexes were estimated between 70,1 to 31,5 kg/boat/month and between 30,8 to 11,8 kg/trip-month (to the years 1991-1997) with the lowest indexes during 1996 and 1997.