BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF THE SAILFIN DORY Zenopsis conchifer (LOWE, 1852) CAUGHT BY DEEP-SEA TRAWLING FISHERY OFF SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Biological aspects of sailfin dory, Zenopsis conchifer, were studied from 839 individuals obtained from deep-sea commercial bottom trawling off southern Brazil at depths up to 526 m in 2002 and 2003. Samples included fish from 101 mm Lt and 15 g up to 640 mm Lt and 2,9 g. The sex-ratio was 50% at 150 mm Lt and between 300-350 mm Lt, with females outnumbering males in the remaining size classes. Reproductive activity seems to peak between July and August ( austral winter). Size at attainment of 50% maturity (Lt(50)) was 311 mm Lt in females. The mean length and maturity of the specimens increased with depth, suggesting that larger fish concentrate in deeper waters.

Aspectos biológicos do peixe-galo-de-profundidade, Zenopsis conchifer, foram estudados a partir de 839 peixes amostrados na pesca comercial de arrasto de profundidade (até 526 m) no sul do Brasil entre 2002 e 2003. As amostras incluíram peixes entre 101 mm TL e 15 g até 640 mm TL e 2.952 g. A proporção sexual foi próxima à paridade na classe de tamanho de 150 mm TL e entre 300–350 mm TL, sendo que as fêmeas predominaram nas demais classes. A atividade reprodutiva apresentou um pico durante o inverno. O tamanho de primeira maturação (TL50) nas fêmeas foi de 311 mm TL. Os comprimentos corporais e a maturidade sexual aumentaram com a profundidade, sugerindo que os maiores exemplares se concentram águas profundas.

Ministerio da Pesca (Brazilian Government) through a scientific cooperation program

UNIVALI [SEAP/PR/001/2003, SEAP/PR/078/2004]

FAPESP postdoctoral fellowship [2010/15978-8]