Age, growth and length-to-weight relationship of largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) in south-eastern Australia suggest a distinct population

• DOI: 10.1016/j.aaf.2023.08.005
• Publication Date: 2023-09-21T12:13:03Z
• Authors: Chantelle Clain; John Stewart; Ashley Fowler; Sandra Diamond
• Keywords: Morphometrics

The age, growth rates and length to weight relationships for the south-eastern Australian population of largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus) were investigated first time. Age was estimated by counting annuli in sectioned sagittal otoliths, with a maximum age 8 years males females. We found no significant differences females over size (12–78 cm pre-anal (PL)) (0–8 years) ranges sampled. However, our collection larger on average than males, all fish sampled >60 PL female, suggesting that may grow sizes sampling greater numbers older be required future. T. lepturus described von Bertalanffy function parameters L∝ = 74.89 PL, K 0.13yr−1 t0 −0.80 yr, being amongst largest reported species. Growth variable, at any given spanning up 50 PL. Female increased body relative faster as has been other populations. length/weight relationship significantly different, almost overlap, from Arabian Sea. substantial rates, morphometrics Australia comparison populations globally are consistent hypotheses it represents distinct population, although investigations using additional markers verify this.