Publication Date:
2021-05-19
Description:
The occurrence of gurnard Prionotus stephanophrys was studied in the course of a series of fisheries research cruises on the Ecuadorian continental shelf between 1980 and 1985. The species is common in coastal waters south of 1°S . Its abundance is very variable, possibly associated with sea temperatures. Normally densities are between 0.8 and 1.6 t.km-2. The standing stock varies between 13,000 and 150,000 t wich it is estimated can sustain catches of around 4,000 t pet year, and up to 40,000 t in times of great abundance. P. stephanophyrs is found in large shoals on the bottom during the day but a night moves up into mid-water to feed on euphausids. The fish caught had size range of 12 cm to 37 cm, but the majority were between 16 cm and 21 cm in total length. The growth parameters and natural mortality were calculated. The present fisheries catch large quantities of these gurnards, but most is discarded at sea and the small amounts landed are only used for fish meal production. However, the flesh is of good quality and could easily be used for human consumption.
Description:
Published
Keywords:
Biomass
;
Catch composition
;
Biomass
;
Abundance
;
Catch composition
;
Natural mortality
Repository Name:
AquaDocs
Type:
Journal Contribution
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