Reproductive biology of the freshwater drum Aplodinotus grunniens in Tabasco, Mexico

ABSTRACT: Aplodinotus grunniens supports a sustained artisanal fishery in the Usumacinta River; however, there are few studies to understand the population dynamics of the species. Relevant aspects of the reproductive biology were documented over an annual cycle, using 593 specimens captured with seine nets. The results indicate that females had a median TL of 32.05 cm, while males had 29.71 cm. The estimated sex ratio was 1.2:1 (males: females). The length-weight relationship showed significant difference between sexes, observing an allometric-type growth represented by TW=0.0013(TL)3.5985 with 89.17 % of the data variability explained by the model. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) in females was higher in September (4.29), with males displaying a higher GSI in October (1.02). The highest HSI increase in females was observed in October (1.0). The estimated relative fecundity was 138.74 (± 74.30) oocytes/g of female weight. The macroscopic analysis of gonads indicates that the highest frequency of mature females occurs in June (75 %), while in males it takes place in March and June (35 %). The estimated L50 for females was 31.89 cm (TL) and 28.78 cm (TL) for males. Though A. grunniens reproduces throughout the year, reproductive peaks coincide with the period when the river level decreases, and fishing increases considerably. Hence, preventive measures must be applied in regards to the size of the species at capture and the exploitation volumes of this resource.