GROWTH-RATE AND AGE AT MIGRATION OF ANGUILLA-ANGUILLA

The length, age and growth rate were investigated for downstream migra ting male and female eels in the unexploited Burrishoole system, weste rn ireland. Significant differences were found in the age and length a t migration with the larger, older female eels also showing faster ann ual growth as early as the first year in fresh water. Female eels norm ally migrated at lengths from 40 . 5 cm, exceptionally to 92 . 9 cm, a nd male eels at lengths between 28 . 9 and 46 . 0 cm. Back-calculation showed an irregular pattern of fast and slow annual growth. Mean annu al growth increments were almost always greater for females than for m ales. (C) 1996 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles