Growth of Cape hake Merluccius capensis off Namibia determined by means of length frequency analysis and age/length data

Abstract

Growth of Cape hake Merluccius capensis off Namibia is determined by means of length frequency analysis and age/length information. A time-series of length frequencies collected during 1987 was used for the analysis together with age data collected concomitantly. Estimated growth fluctuated seasonally, the minimum growth rate being in autumn. Application of age data in the analyses notably improved the fit of the growth curve. The results are similar to published estimates of Cape hake growth.