Age-based life history of Lutjanus analis from the southern Gulf of Mexico

Obtaining data on the population structure of Lutjanus analis is crucial, as species with low to moderate growth tend to decline faster with fishing pressure. Even though Lutjanus analis is an economically important species in the southern Gulf of Mexico, age-based life history parameters and the selection of the optimal growth model from three possible (von Bertalanffy, Gompertz, and logistic) were acquired for the first time. Collections were done by the semi-industrial and artisanal fishing fleets from January 2018 to July 2023 (n = 433; FL = 19.0 – 79.3 cm, TW = 0.13 – 9.10 kg). Marginal increment analysis confirmed annulus formation from March to June. Age ranged from 0 + to 28 years, with the most frequent ages between 4 – 5 years. The von Bertalanffy growth model was the most efficient to describe growth (L ∞ = 76.08 cm, K = 0.17 yr −1 , t 0 = −1.57). Estimated lifespan was 16.07 years. There were no statistical differences in growth trajectories between sexes. Nevertheless, age at sexual maturity did differed between males (