<b>Biology and fishing of the timbiro, <em>Pterengraulis atherinoides</em>, at Pereira de Miranda reservoir (Pentecoste, Ceará State, Brazil)</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v27i4.1156

Abstract

Biological aspects and fishing information of timbiro Pterengraulis atherinoides from Pereira de Miranda reservoir, Pentecoste, Ceará State, Brazil, were studied in the present work. Monthly samples were obtained from August 1994 to July 1995. During this period 5,140 individuals were analyzed. Based on each species’ morphometrical data, the following parameters were estimated using projection models: growth, mortality, exploration rate, capture probability, recruitment and fishing effort intensity. A frequency distribution table on length was elaborated and analyzed by FAO-ICLARM Stock Assessment Tools - FISAT. P. atherinoides has been shown to be a medium-life fish whose growth rate is quite high. Both natural and fishing mortality rates are coherent to other growth parameters, as it is a commercially unexplored resource. Individuals have been captured before they reach their first gonadal maturation, due to the low selectivity of fishing apparatus. Since timbiro is highly proliferous, this fact has kept the population in natural equilibrium