Life History and Fishery of the Enchova, Pomatomus saltatrix, in Southern Brazil

Abstract

Landings of the enchova, Pomatomus saltatrix, along the south-western Atlantic coast from Rio de Janeiro (23ºS) to Argentina (38ºS) averaged about 5000 t (1970-92) and attained a peak of about 15000 t in 1971. Most catches were with purse-seines and gill-nets along the coast of southern Brazil and were of immature and young adult enchovas moving northward in winter toward lower latitudes. Ring formation on scales occurs in winter in association with low water temperature and decreased feeding activity; the maximum observed age was 8 years and the largest specimens measured up to 800 mm total length (TL). Both young of the year and older enchovas fed on fishes and squid. Off southern Brazil, enchovas are multiple spawners from mid spring to late summer and first maturity is attained in the third year of life at 350 to 400 mm TL. P. saltatrix specimens from southern Brazil and Argentina seem to belong to a single stock, and observed migration patterns show similarities to those in other regions: movement toward lower latitudes in winter when surface temperatures decrease and toward higher latitudes in late spring and summer along both shelf and slope.