A growth equation for sole postlarvae (Solea senegalensis Kaup, 1858) in earthen ponds in the region of Tagus and Sado Estuaries (Portugal)

摘要

The growth of 1-month-old juvenile sole, Solea senegalensis (Kaup, 1858), was monitored for 6 months in earthen ponds of commercial fish farms located at the Tagus and Sado Estuaries. The postlarvae were introduced into net cages at a density of 50 mpo. Data obtained from different growth experiments carried out under similar environmental conditions were analysed. To describe the growth of juvenile sole, the comprehensive model proposed by Schnute was fitted to the data. This model provides a better fit than, for instance, the Gompertz model, to the length at age of S. senegalensis juveniles. Seven-month-old sole juveniles have 80% probability of attaining a length of 10.9-11.7 cm and a weight between 11.0 and 13.7 g. The growth equation can be used to predict fish growth under these environmental conditions and thus identify appropriate farm management options.