Working Document Series Open Access 2010 RUF-35078

Age, growth and reproductive biology of Lethrinops gossei burgess & axelrod– (Teleostei: cichlidae) in the south east arm of Lake Malawi

M.C. BandaG.Z. KanyerereE. KaundaF. Maguza-TemboW. Singini

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Abstract

146 words

Life history traits of Lethrinops gossei from south east arm of Lake Malawi were studied. Validation of age was done by using analysis of marginal increment and length frequency distribution. It was assumed that a single opaque ring was laid down annually in the otoliths. The greatest age estimated was 6+ years (175 ± 1.14 mm total mean length (TL). Growth was best described by the von Bertalanffy growth model as Lt = 150.06(1 – e-0.27(t + 1.94)) r2 = 0.95. The mean size at maturity for females was 135.95mm TL and 104.05 mm standard length (SL). Age at-50% maturity was estimated at 2.14 years. The mean value for total mortality (Z) from the catch curve analysis was estimated at 0.63 year-1, natural mortality (M) was 0.38 year1, fishing mortality (F) calculated (F = Z – M) was 0.25 year-1 and the exploitation rate was 0.40.

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