<i>Micropterus salmoides</i> (Pisces: Centrarchidae) reproduction in the Gustavo Díaz Ordaz reservoir, Sinaloa, México

Abstract

Micropterus salmoides is an important fish species for sport fishing activities, condition that has promoted its introduction to different reservoirs in Mexico and worldwide. With the aim to improve its fisheries management, this research dealt with some reproductive aspects of this species in the Gustavo Díaz Ordaz reservoir, where it was studied from August 2008 through March 2011. To this end, we obtained 938 specimens, with gillnets of different sizes, to determine their total length (Lt, in cm), weight (Pt, in g), sex, gonadosomatic index, condition factor, fecundity and size at first maturity. Lt and Pt ranged from 15.9 to 63cm (37.4±78.0) and 57 to 4 431g (731.7±619.0), respectively. The Pt-Lt relationship showed a positive allometric growth, with no significant difference between males and females (F=0.9955, p=0.3187). The male: female ratio obtained was 1:0.83. Mass spawning lasted from December to April. Size at first maturity was 33.7cm and average fecundity was 32 294±12 878.7 oocytes/female. The gonadosomatic index was low from May through November, and increased between January and March. The condition factor was high before the spawning season and decreased after the reproductive period. We recommend a fishing ban from January to March, and to allow the capture size between 33 and 40cm.