REPORT N° 108, MAY 1995

BIOLOGICAL FISHERY ASPECTS OF THE STRIPED MULLET (MUGIL CEPHALUS L.) IN THE PERUVIAN LITTORAL.

EMPERATRIZ GÓMEZ, FLOR PAREDES and ANDRÉS CHIPOLLINI

Mullet Mugil cephalus is one of the resources which sustains artisanal fisheries in Peru, but despite its importance there are few studies relating to its biology. With the aim of determining the biological and fisheries related characteristics of the species, an analysis is made of landings data from 1980 to 1992, and of catch data according to fishing gear from artisanal fisheries between 1986 and 1988; biological aspects are studies using data from the Coastal laboratories of IMARPE at Paita (05°05´S), Callao (12°03´S), Pisco (13°44´S) and Ilo (17°38.4´S) from the period 1979 to 1992.
Mullet is widely distributed along the whole Peruvian coast, with greatest catch volumes in the north of the country (5° to 7°S); in the south lower values are recorded.
The specimens taken in Paita were found to be bigger than the minimum regulated size (35 cm), where as in Callao, Pisco and Ilo they were smaller.
The mean length at which 50% of individuals reach first maturity is 29 cm and 34 cm at first spawning.
He values of the gonadosomatic index, indicate that mullet spawns in spring/summer.
The weight-length relationship by sex in Paita, Callao, Pisco and Ilo shows that females weigh more than males of the same length. Both sexes exhibit isometric growth.
In the northern region, the most commonly used fishing gear is the small purse seine net. In the southern and central zones gill nets are more often used for mullet.
The fish is marketed fresh and dry salted.