Growth, Pelagic Larval Duration, and Exploitation of Caribbean Amphidromous Gobies

Artisanal fisheries for amphidromous fishes occur globally on tropical islands during recruitment of early life stages to rivers. Despite the importance of amphidromous fishes to marine and freshwater ecosystems, their ecology has received little research attention but is necessary to ensure sustainability of culturally and economically valuable fisheries. Postlarvae of two amphidromous fishes (River Goby Awaous banana, Sirajo Goby Sicydium spp.) were sampled at the river mouths of Rio Grande de Arecibo and the Rio Mameyes in Puerto Rico from June 2013 to January 2015 to describe temporal dynamics of age, growth, and length at recruitment and to estimate pelagic larval duration and hatch dates. Additionally, exploitation was estimated by directly surveying fishers at Rio Grande de Arecibo in July 2014 and July 2015. Length and age at recruitment generally increased throughout the year and was consistent with protracted spawning periods observed for both species. Greater variation in age was observed relative total length, suggesting recruitment to freshwater ecosystems was size-dependent. Fishery catch was dominated by Sirajo Goby, and estimates of exploitation were relatively low (2.4-9.5%). Our findings provide greater understanding into the early-life history of amphidromous fishes essential to manage and conserve unique Caribbean postlarval fisheries.