Growth parameters and Mortality rates of Skinnycheek Lanternfish Benthosema pterotum (Alcock, 1890) in the Oman Sea

Population dynamics of Skinnycheek Lanternfish Benthosema pterotum (Alcock, 1890), in the Iranian waters of Oman Sea from April 2019 to March 2020 were studied. A total of 2893 individuals were sampled and used for analysis. Total length ranged from 21-60 mm and the average length was 39.4 mm. More than 84% of the samples were between 33-45 mm TL. The length-weight relationship was obtained TW= 0.00008 TL 2.379 and shown negative allometric growth. The asymptotic length (Loo) and growth constant (K) were estimated at 63 mm and 1.6 yr-1 respectively. Also, tmax and t0 were calculated 1/73 and -0/15 yr -1 respectively. VBGE was calculated Lt = 6.3 ( 1 – e -1.6(t+0.15)). The coefficients of total mortality (Z), instantaneous natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) were estimated as 6/65 yr-1, 2/62 yr-1, and 4/03 yr -1 respectively. Size at first capture (Lc) was estimated at 35.67 mm (TL). The exploitation rate (E) was estimated as 0/60 yr -1.