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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Spatial patterns in the demography of a large estuarine teleost: king threadfin, Polydactylus macrochir

B. R. Moore A C , D. J. Welch A B and C. A. Simpfendorfer A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.

B Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, PO Box 1085, Oonoonba, Qld 4810, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: bradley.moore1@my.jcu.edu.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 62(8) 937-951 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF11034
Submitted: 11 February 2011  Accepted: 23 April 2011   Published: 22 August 2011

Abstract

Understanding spatial patterns in demographic parameters of exploited fish species is of critical importance to effective fisheries management. In the present study, patterns in demography of a large, protandrous, estuarine teleost, king threadfin, Polydactylus macrochir, were compared among three estuaries on the eastern coast of Queensland, Australia. Significant variation in age and growth was observed between fish from the Fitzroy River and those from the Mary and Brisbane Rivers, with Fitzroy River fish living longer (22 years v. 10 and 14 years, respectively), reaching a greater asymptotic length (1222-mm fork length (FL) v. 975- and 1047-mm FL, respectively), and attaining greater length-at-ages of 6 years and beyond. No difference in growth was detected between Mary and Brisbane River fish, or in total mortality among any of the sites. Fitzroy River fish were generally found to mature and change sex at greater lengths and ages than those from the Mary and Brisbane Rivers. The observed variability suggests that spatially segregated populations of P. macrochir may respond differently to fishing pressure and highlights the importance of understanding the spatial patterns in demography of exploited estuarine fish populations.

Additional keywords: Australia, fisheries management, growth, maturity, population biology, sex change.


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