his study aimed to estimate the growth and mortality parameters of the bigeye shad (Ilisha megaloptera) in the northeastern Persian Gulf (Hormozgan Province). A total of 367 specimens were seasonally collected using coastal set nets (mashata), shrimp trawl nets, and encircling gillnets from April 2019 to March 2022. The highest frequency for both sexes was observed within the 11–14 cm length class. The length–weight relationships were estimated as W=0.0084L3.034 for femalesW=0.0116L2.87 for males, and WW=0.0095L2.94 for the total population. Length distribution between sexes differed significantly. Based on otolith readings and the Gulland–Holt method, asymptotic length (L∞) and growth coefficient (K) were estimated at 26.48 cm and 0.53 yr⁻¹ for females, 20.13 cm and 0.79 yr⁻¹ for males, and 25.69 cm and 0.58 yr⁻¹ for the total population. Total mortality (Z) was calculated at 1.76 yr⁻¹ for males, 1.33 yr⁻¹ for females, and 1.55 yr⁻¹ for the total population. The results indicate a relatively balanced sex ratio and length distribution, but notable differences in growth parameters between sexes. The estimated growth and mortality rates suggest a short life cycle and rapid growth, particularly in males.
haghparast S, raeisi H, rahmani H, patimar R, rahnema B. Growth, Mortality, and Length at Maturity of Ilisha megaloptera in the Northeastern Persian Gulf (Hormozgan Province, Iran). JAIR 2025; 13 (2) :21-30 URL: http://jair.gonbad.ac.ir/article-1-926-en.html