Validation of otolith age determination of the Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) in La Paz bay and adjacent waters, B.C.S., Mexico

Otoliths were found for be useful for determining the age of the Pacific red snapper Lutjanus peru. This was concluded from the inspection of otoliths from 717 Pacific red snapper collected from March 1989 to March 1991. Otolith and fish growth were correlated using a power model. The monthly percentage of otoliths with translucent margin showed that growth marks are formed once a year (mainIy from May to September) during the period of reproductive activity, as indicated by the gonadosomatic index. Both the index and the percentage of translucent margins peaked in July. Measurement of annuli radii showed that the otolith marking pattern was consistent in fishes of different ages and reflected the variation of the fish growth rate.