Growth and mortality of Brycon opalinus (Characiformes, Characidae) in Serra do Mar State Park, Atlantic Forest, São Paulo State

Abstract

Growth and mortality parameters for males and females of Brycon opalinus were estimated from January through December 2004 in rivers of the Serra do Mar State Park - Santa Virgínia Unit, State of São Paulo. The distributions of the total-length frequency classes were different for males and females. The estimated parameters for males and females were: L¥ (asymptotic maximum length) = 29.8 and 37.7 cm; k (growth coefficient) = 0.54 and 0.56 year-1; C (growth oscillation) = 0.3; Wp (winter point) = 0.7; M (natural mortality coefficient) = 0.97 and 0.93 year-1; four to five cohorts and longevity of 4.58 and 4.53 years, respectively. Growth and mortality of B. opalinus are intimately related to the intrinsic characteristics of the species, as well as to the environmental characteristics of seasonality and availability of food.