Abstract

Landings of Pacific pomfret (Brama australis) is acquiring an increasing importance to the Chilean artisanal fishery. However, lack of information regarding its basic biology, in particular, reproductive dynamics, still persists. In this work we determine the spawning season of B. australis in the central coast of Chile and the length of maturity (LM). A total of 1061 individuals captured in the coastal zone of Lebu (37°37'S-73°40'W), Chile, between January and September 2001, were analyzed. Macroscopic analysis of ovaries, showed sexually mature individuals throughout the sampling period. Gonadosomatic Index (IGS) showed fluctuations indicative of extensive spawning periods, with a maximum in the austral winter season (June-August). LM of females was estimated with the length at 50% maturity method, in 36.9 cm fork length (LH), with a confidence interval between 35.3 and 37.8 cm LH, and 39 cm LH using the Relative Increment of IGS method (IR.IGS). Since the catch comprises principally individuals over 39 cm LH, the fishing fleet extracts mainly mature fish.