Traditional approaches to estimate length at first maturity (L50) retrieve better results than alternative ones in a Neotropical heptapterid

Length at first maturity (L50) is an important tool for the management and conservation of fish populations. Traditional approaches based on macroscopic and microscopic maturity staging exhibit high accuracy and precision, while alternative approaches (e.g., Ig‐based staging, stanza changing point)...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of fish biology 2020-11, Vol.97 (5), p.1393-1400
Main Authors: Soares, Bruno E., Barros, Thiago F., Hashiguti, Danielly T., Pereira, Douglas C., Ferreira, Karina C. F., Caramaschi, Érica P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Atlantic Forest, life‐history, maturity ogive, maturity staging, reproduction
Body Size - physiology
Electric fishing
Female
Fish
Fish conservation
Fish populations
Fishes - anatomy & histology
Gonads
Gonads - anatomy & histology
Growth models
Immunoglobulins
Length
Male
Maturity
Models, Biological
Populations
Reproduction
Rivers
Seasons
Sexual Maturation - physiology
Tropical Climate
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Summary:Length at first maturity (L50) is an important tool for the management and conservation of fish populations. Traditional approaches based on macroscopic and microscopic maturity staging exhibit high accuracy and precision, while alternative approaches (e.g., Ig‐based staging, stanza changing point) are less resource‐demanding. Herein, we compare four approaches to estimate L50 in a population of the heptapterid Rhamdioglanis transfasciatus from Atlantic Forest streams. Fish were sampled monthly during a year by using electrofishing. We measured the length (cm), mass (g), and gonad mass (g) of each specimen, then classified their maturity status macroscopically and microscopically. Alternative approaches were strongly discordant from traditional ones. Logistic curves considering mature individuals as those displaying at least 1% of the maximum Ig in the sample greatly underestimated L50 for females and overestimated L50 for males. The stanza changing point derived from the polyphasic growth model underestimated L50 in both cases. Despite the increasing development of less onerous approaches, it seems that they are not suitable for all fish populations and the requirements to use such approaches demand further investigation.
ISSN:0022-1112
1095-8649
DOI:10.1111/jfb.14505