Some problems involved in the study of the growth of picarel, Spicara smaris (L.), are presented and discussed. Three growth models have been applied including a new one incorporating aspects of the sex reversal of the species. The growth curve of S. smaris is characterized by a pattern, which seems to be ruled by the sex change of the individuals. Among the models tested, the new model fits the data best. All models applied suggest high K values and Linf values smaller than the maximum length recorded.