Population structure of the epinephelusitajara (Lichtenstein 1822) (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) in the Maranhão Gulf, Brazil

Aspects of populational structure of Epinephelusitajara were studied with specimens obtained as by-catch of fisheries of the species Tarpon Megalops atlanticus, in coastal and estuarine areas of Maranhão Gulf, Northeastern Brazil (02°05'38"S - 2°10'16"S / 43°34'06"W - 44°23'40"W). Samples were taken monthly between july/2016 and december/2016 from landings in the municipality of Raposa. A total of 14 specimens were analyzed by measuring the following variables: total length (cm) and body weight (Kg). The weight–length relationship was obtained using potential equation Wt = a Ltb, where Wt is the total weight, Lt is the total length, a is the intercept and b is the growth coefficient. The parameters a and b were calculated by least squares method on logtransformed data. The total length ranged 97 cm to 208 cm (160.21 ± 34.81 cm). The total weight varied 14 Kg to 162 Kg (76.32 Kg ± 52.29 Kg). Males were predominant throughout the sampling due the reproductive pattern of the species, characterized by protogynous hermaphroditism. The growth coefficient was higher than three (b > 3), suggesting a positive allometric growth. Coastal areas of Maranhão Gulf are essential habitats for the strategic conservation of endangered species in the Brazilian Northern coast.