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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 56(7)

Age and growth of larval Atlantic sailfish, Istiophorus platypterus

Stacy A. Luthy A C D , Joseph E. Serafy B , Robert K. Cowen A , Kelly L. Denit A and Su Sponaugle A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA.

B National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center, 75 Virginia Beach Drive, Miami, FL 33149, USA.

C Present address: Baruch Marine Field Laboratory, PO Box 1630, Georgetown, SC 29442, USA.

D Corresponding author. Email: stacy@belle.baruch.sc.edu

Marine and Freshwater Research 56(7) 1027-1035 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF05048
Submitted: 4 March 2005  Accepted: 20 June 2005   Published: 3 November 2005

Abstract

Of the Atlantic istiophorid billfishes, larval age–size relationships and growth rates have been examined only for blue marlin (Makaira nigricans). Using otolith microincrement analysis, we describe age–length and age–weight relationships for larval sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) collected from the Straits of Florida. Sagittae and lapilli were dissected from 70 larvae ranging from 2.8 to 15.2 mm in (notochord or standard) length. Comparisons between otolith images obtained by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy indicated that increment widths were well within the resolving power of light microscopy. Indirect evidence and published descriptions of larval blue marlin otoliths suggest daily increment deposition. Estimated ages of specimens ranged from 3 to 18 days. Length data were fitted to age estimates with an exponential model (R2 = 0.85). The estimated size-at-hatch for sailfish was 1.96 mm notochord length, and the daily instantaneous growth coefficient was 0.14. A power curve with exponent 3.05 described the length–dry weight relationship for sailfish. The instantaneous growth coefficient for an exponential regression of dry weight, converted from length, versus estimated age was 0.41. Growth in the length of sailfish larvae from the Straits of Florida was very similar to that described for blue marlin larvae from Exuma Sound, Bahamas.

Extra keywords: billfish, Istiophoridae, otoliths, sagitta, weight–length relationship.


Acknowledgments

Financial support was provided by the University of Miami Maytag fellowship, Network Miami, Anheuser Busch, the American Institute of Marine Science, the Yamaha Miami Billfish tournament (Harry Vernon Jr. Memorial Scholarship), the International Light Tackle Tournament Association and the Sportfishermen of Broward. Collection of the larvae was made possible by the generosity and efforts of the Frazel family and by the hard work of collection volunteers G. Diaz, G. Myers, K. Gracie, L. Leist, M. Williams, O. Bowen, C. Schmitz, C. Faunce, D. Schuller, T. Capo and M. Feeley. We thank M. Lynn, P. Blackwelder and B. Elkind of the University of Miami electron microscopy lab. We appreciate expert otolith dissection instruction by J. Fortuna.


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