Biology of the sand smelt, Atherina presbyter (Teleostei : Atherinidae), off the Canary Islands (central-east Atlantic)

Atherina presbyter is a common fish off the Canary Islands. Age, growth, re production, and mortality of the species are studied based on sampling carr ied out from July 1995 to June 1996. The parameters of the total length-tot al weight relationship are: a=0.004521, and b=3.0771. Otoliths age readings indicate that the sampled population consists of four age groups (0-III ye ars). The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for all individuals are: L-infi nity=122 mm total length, k=0.79 year(-)1, and t(0)=-0.21 years. Individual s grow quickly in their immature first year, attaining approximately 60% of their maximum length. After the first year, the annual growth rate drops r apidly, because the energy is probably diverted to reproduction. It is a go nochoristic species with no evidence of sexual dimorphism. The gonad is pre sent as a single diffuse testis in males and as a single discrete ovary in females. The overall ratio of males to females is not significantly differe nt from 1:1. The reproductive period of the species is protacted (February to June). The peak of the reproductive effort occurs in April-May. The size at first maturity is 68 mm. The population is being heavily exploited.