Dinámica reproductiva de la botellita, Auxis thazard (Lacepede, 1800), desembarcadas en el Pacifico ecuatoriano.

Abstract

Auxis thazard, commonly known as "botellita" and belonging to the genus Auxis and the family Scombridae, is a small pelagic fish of significant economic and social importance in Ecuador, due to its capture, landing, and processing for both fishmeal production and human consumption. The objective of this study was to estimate the reproductive dynamics and determine the size at sexual maturity (L50) of A. thazard landed in the Ecuadorian Pacific. A total of 250 specimens were analyzed between October 2023 and November 2024. The length-weight relationship showed isometric growth for males, females, and combined sexes. The lengths recorded ranged from 187 to 380 mm, with weights between 141 and 1950 g. The size at sexual maturity (L50) was estimated at 223.49 mm TL, a value lower than the average capture size observed, suggesting a potentially sustainable exploitation of the species.