Age and growth of the narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson Lacepede, 1880) in North-eastern Queensland waters

Abstract

Whole otoliths were used to age Scomberomorus commerson in tropical Australian waters. Age estimates were validated by marginal-increment analysis of the first three otolith annuli. Confirmation of age estimates was provided by otolith daily growth increments and tag returns of known age. Differential growth in length, weight and longevity was evident between the sexes. The oldest male was 10 years old (127 cm FL, 19.0 kg). The oldest female was 14 years old (155 cm FL, 35 kg). The von Bertalanffy growth parameters L_∞ and K were 127.5 cm and 0.25 for males and 155.0 cm and 0.17 for females.