Daily growth patterns and age‐at‐recruitment of the anchovetaEngraulis ringensas indicated by a multi‐annual analysis of otolith microstructure across developmental stages

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Abstract
The anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) plays a key role in the ecology of the Humboldt Current System and is of major economic importance; however, many aspects of its early life history are still poorly understood. In this study, an analysis of daily age and length patterns was carried out using the sagittal otoliths from wild larvae (0–0.2 cm standard length,LS), pre‐recruits (3–6 cm total length,LT), recruits (7–12 cmLT) and young adults (12–15 cmLT). Additionally, variability in growth and age at recruitment (AR) were evaluated for recruits caught in northern Chile in 1973, 1982, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. The age–length relationship showed four allometric patterns that were well described by Laird‐Gompertz models. The absolute growth rates at the inflexion point (GAR) were 0.56, 0.75, 1.22 and 1.16 mm d−1for larvae, pre‐recruits, recruits and young adults, respectively. At the interannual scale,GARvalues were always >1 mm d−1(mean ± S.D. 1.37 ± 0.21 mm d−1; range 1.12–1.64 mm d−1), irrespective of the season of hatching (i.e.winterv.spring); additionally, in most cases,GARvalues were reached before the second month of life (mean ± S.D. 50.47 ± 9.73 days) atc.4 cmLT(mean ± S.D. 4.22 ± 0.29 cm). MeanARwas < 150 days (112 ± 29 days; range 75–149 days); in contrast, estimates ofARwere higher and growth rates were lower in 1973, 1983 and 2000. These results demonstrate very fast growth and earlyARof anchoveta in northern Chile, suggesting most fish are removed by the fisheries at very early ages. An evaluation of the implications of these results on stock assessment and management of this species is highly recommended.
Funding Information
  • Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Chile

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