Age determination and growth parameters in golden snapper (Lutjanus johnii) of Hormozgan Waters

Golden snapper is one of the valuable fishes of the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea. To determine the age and growth parameters a research study was conducted in Hormozgan waters from May 1996 to July 1997. Samples (the total amount was 613) were collected on a monthly basis. The age determination of 597 fish were performed using apparent growth rings (dark and light layers) on the otoliths. Growth layers of urohyal bone were used for age determination in some samples. Growth parameters were calculated according to the Von Bertalanffy formula. The Von Bertalanffy growth equation for this species was as TL= 122(1-e^ (-0.128(t+1.29)). The Lee equation, based on urohyal bone readings, was calculated as TL=-3.718[LC+3.718) (Oi/OR)]. Back calculation was performed to determine the length on the basis of Lee formula in the urohyal and the mean length of the age groups of 1-8 years was obtained. The T-test was applied to compare two methods of age determination (based on otolith and urohyal) and there was not any significant difference (P> 0.05).