Reproductive traits and natural mortality of the cardinalfish Epigonus crassicaudus: crucial information for stock assessment and sustainable management measures

Reproductive traits and natural mortality rate of cardinalfish females (Epigonus crassicaudus) were studied from samples collected onboard commercial fishing vessels, from 2012 to 2015, on the Chilean coast. The reproductive cycles of females analyzed thought gonadosomatic index (GSI) showed a maximum reproductive activity in austral fall, between March and May. Length (L-50%) and age (A(50)(%)) at maturity, estimated using a macroscopic scale of the developed ovary, was 22.3 cm fork length (FL) and 9.3 years, respectively. Natural mortality (M) was estimated by two age-related methods. Using maximum age (t(max)) M was estimated in 0.063 yr(-1) and through age-at-maturity (A(50)(%)) in 0.15 yr(-1). A potential bias in the reproductive study is discussed when a macroscopic maturity scale is used. Nevertheless, its usefulness is validated when funding is scarce, and time is limited. Although M uncertainty was not evaluated, the estimated range appears to be into the expected values to long-lived species. The life history parameters estimated in the present study can be used to evaluate possible time variability in maturity and M rates. Also, these results could be used in stock assessment analysis and to apply effective management measures in the fishery.