Age and growth of Muraena helena (Muraenidae) from the north coast of Tunisia

Sallami B., Béarez P., Ben Salem M.

Date de parution: avril 2016
Volume: 40
Number: 2
Pagination: 155-161
doi: https://doi.org/10.26028/cybium/2016-402-007
Notes:

How to cite: Sallami, B., Béarez, P., & Ben Salem, M. (2016). Age and growth of Muraena helena (Muraenidae) from the north coast of Tunisia. Cybium, 40(2): 155-161. https://doi.org/10.26028/CYBIUM/2016-402-007

Résumé

The age and growth of the moray eel (Muraena helena) from the north coast of Tunisia were determined from otolith growth ring studies. A total of 221 specimens were used. Total length (TL) and weight (TW) ranged from 31 to 100 cm and from 45.4 to 2311.9 g, respectively. The transverse section of the otoliths observed under transmitted light proved to be a useful method for ageing M. helena. Marginal increment analysis was used to validate the periodicity of increment formation. The age of the specimens ranged from 2 to 10 years in males, and from 2 to 9 years in females. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞ = 198.1cm, k = 0.063 year -1 and t0 = -0.797 years for the combined sexes. Length-weight relationship was determined as follows: W = 0.0013TL3.084 (r = 0.948).

Mots-clés: Age - Growth - Mediterranean Sea - Muraena helena - Muraenidae - North Coast of Tunisia
PDF visible pour tous