Longitud a la primera madurez, ciclo reproductivo y crecimiento del camarón blanco (Penaeus occidentalis, decapoda:penaeidae) en la parte interna del Golfo de Nicoya, Costa Rica (ING)

Abstract

The sex ratio, population growth parameters, length at first maturity, spawning cycle and recruitment to the fisheries were studied for Penaeus occidentalis of the inner part of the Gulf of Nicoya. The sex ratio was found to depart slightly from the expected 1 : 1 being the females more abundant, especially at larger length classes. Females reach the length of 50% maturity at 150 mm total length. This estimation was not possible for the males due to the small number of juvenile males collected. Sexual dimorphism is marked, being the females larger and heavier than the males. The spawning pattern shows a peak from June through August for females, while males seem to be active all year round, without periods of higher reproduction activity. This pattern can show variations possibly due to environmental changes. Recruitment of young individuals to the fishery seems to occur mainly during November through December as evidenced by a reduction in the average length of capture during those months. According to the estimated growth parameters, females have a higher growth rate than males during its all life cycle.