Otolith morphology and body size relationships for juvenile Sciaenidae in the Río de la Plata estuary (35-36°S)

• DOI: 10.3989/scimar.2003.67n2233
• Publication Date: 2008-10-15T11:29:47Z
• Authors: Juan A. Waessle; Carlos A. Lasta; Marco Favero
• Keywords: Sciaenidae

Seven species of the family Sciaenidae have been reported inhabiting bottom waters Río de la Plata estuary. Of these juvenile stripped weakfish (Cynoscion guatucupa), king (Macrodon ancylodon), whitemouth croaker (Micropogonias furnieri) and banded ground drum (Paralonchurus brasiliensis) are by far most abundant. These also important prey several top-predator among large fishes, seabirds mammals. In this study we provide new information regarding otolith morphology body size relationships sciaenid fish. The sagittae sciaenids showed strong changes in course their development (e.g. overall shape concrescences on outer surface). Analysing morphometric relationships, concluded that length mass good indicators fish standard weight all species. If or is used to estimate length, regression explained more than 97% variation All equations relating for stages studied a very proportion variance data. data will help researchers studying food habits top predators determine usually fish-prey from broad and/or recovered otoliths.