Abstract

The Gonadosomatic Index (IGS) has been reported to be inversely related to Condition Factor (FCC) and the Hepatosomatic Index (IHS), presumably reflecting tradeoffs in energy used by fish. The present study examines behavior during an annual reproductive cycle of the Chilean sandperch Pinguipes chilensis. Seasonal behavior of IGS, FCC and IHS was analized in female (n=200) and male (n=214) P. chilensis caught in the Talcahuano area. The relationships among IGS, FCC and IHS were studied by lineal regression. Significant seasonal differences were found for each relationship. IGS values were not related to the FCC (p=0.41 in females and p=0.48 in males). There was no correlation between IGS and IHS in males (p=0.48) but a marginal relationship in females (r