Bloecology of Stellifer rastrifer (Perciformes: Sciaenidae) from Baía de Santos, SP

Abstract

As many as 7,260 specimens of the sciaenid Stellifer rastriferwQTG collected through a monthly beach seine and bottom trawl survey in the complex bay-estuary of Santos and São Vicente, between March 1985 and May 1986. The occurrence, abundance, length frequency, influence of environmental factors, length-weight relationship, growth, recruitment and mortality were analysed..?, rastrifer occurred year-round and was more abundant and frequent in fall at west side of medium and inner stracta. Young of the year was first caught from January to May in deeper water areas and later they were found in shallow areas low with salinity and high temperature. The low catches found in spring may be related to a massive emigration to open sea (summer spawning). S. rastrifer showed higher values for growth coefficient and for total mortality and exploitation rates.