AGE DETERMINATION IN TWO IMPORTANT SPECIES OF SOUTH AFRICAN ANGLING FISHES THE KOB (ARGYROSOMUS HOLOLEPIDOTUSLACEP.) AND AND THE SPOTTED GRUNTER (POMADASYS COMMERSONNILACEP.)

Abstract

Methods are described for the determination of age from otoliths of the kob (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) and the spotted grunter (Pomadasys commersonni.) Growth curves provide estimates of length for age, while use of length/weight relationships enable estimates of weight for age to be made. These are discussed in relation to the age composition of estuarine populations, age at sexual maturity and years of greatest weight increment.