Biological aspects of Lutjanus peru in Bufadero Bay, Michoacán, México: growth, reproduction and condition factors

Some biological aspects ofLutjanus peru (Pisces: Lutjanidae) collected from Bufadero Bay in Michoacán, Mexico, were analyzed. Scale analysis allowed determining four growth rings. Similar data were obtained with an indirect method (Kernel density estimates). Results of von Bertalanffy’s growth equation obtained by simple linear method were: L_∞= 81.12 cm, W_∞= 4,839 g, K= 0.24 years^-1 and t_o= -0.39 years. The maximum values of the repletion index and condition factor occurred during February, April and June. Spawning peaks occurred between February and August. Recruitment periods in the area were from January to July for those born in August, and August to December for the ones born in February. Recruitment length of the fishing gear is 18 cm which occurs after age one. The gonadosomatic index is inversely proportional to the hepatosomatic index. Length of first sexual maturity is 25.45 cm. Longevity ofL. peru is estimated to be at least 12 years. In Bufadero Bay, 65.84% of the catch is on sexually immature organisms, therefore we suggest that fishing captures should consider specimens larger than 45 cm (age 3 years) and a closed season for August and September.