Age and growth of the Argentine Sandperch Pseudopercis semifasciata (Cuvier, 1829) Berg, 1899 in the San Matías Gulf (Patagonia, Argentina)

A study was made on the growth of the Argentine Sandperch Pseudopercis semifasciata in the San Matías Gulf (Patagonia, Argentina). Specimens were obtained by sampling landings from the trawl fleet, which operated during the period 1990–1992, from San Antonio Oeste port (Rio Negro Province). A total of 967 individuals (505 ♀, 462 ♂) were examined. Age determinations were made by microscopic observations of treated (broken and burned) and untreated otoliths and growth parameters were determined by fitting size–age data to a von Bertalanffy model. Data were analyzed separately by year and for females and for yellow and gray color variants of males. Significant differences were observed between the growth parameters of the females and each of the two color morphs of the males. These differences may be related to the type of reproductive strategy in P. semifasciata. The results obtained were compared with those of previous studies, and discussion is presented on considerations required for sustainable management of the species and its’ fisheries.