Age, growth, and reproductive biology of the blackfin seabass Lateolabrax latus, a major predator in rocky coastal ecosystems of southwestern Japan

Taiga Kunishima, Shunsuke Higuchi, Yuuki Kawabata, Keisuke Furumitsu, Ikumi Nakamura, Atsuko Yamaguchi, Katsunori Tachihara, Mutsunori Tokeshi, Seiji Arakaki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Life-history traits of Lateolabrax latus, one of the popular piscivore species for commercial and recreational fishing along the coasts of western Pacific, were investigated based on 373 specimens collected over a period of 8 years (2011–2018) in a coastal area of southwestern Japan. Histological observation of gonads indicated that the species’ main spawning period is from January to March in this region. Annual periodicity of the otolith opaque zones formed in spring after spawning was validated by the edge-type analysis. The examination of the sectioned sagittal otoliths indicated the maximum age of L. latus as 11 years in both sexes. The species showed early maturation at 2 years of age with body size (standard length) of 379 mm in females and 362 mm in males. Both sexes of L. latus grew rapidly with females attaining larger body size than males of the same age class. The basic life-history information in a wild populations as presented here is considered essential for a better ecological understanding and management of this important predatory fish species.

Original languageEnglish
Article number101597
JournalRegional Studies in Marine Science
Volume41
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
  • Aquatic Science
  • Ecology
  • Animal Science and Zoology

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