Introduction:

Mustelus higmani is one of the shark species most commonly caught in the Northeastern region of Venezuela; however, this species has been poorly studied.

Objective:

To evaluate the age and growth of M. higmani on the basis of the optical analysis of vertebrae.

Methods:

Between August 2016 and July 2017, the vertebral samples were collected in the fishing port of Juan Griego, Margarita Island. The growth study was based on a sample of 238 individuals, 86 males (24.1-59.5 cm TL) and 152 females (24.4-69.5 cm TL) and the use of VBGF modeling approach.

Results:

The RMI analysis suggested an annual periodicity for the deposition of growth rings. Ages assigned varied between 0 and 5 years in males, and between 0 and 6 years in females. The estimates of VBGF parameters were L ¥ = 60.4 cm TL, k = 0.53 years-1 and t 0 = -1.02 years in males; and L ¥ = 71.1 cm TL, k = 0.38 years-1 and t 0 = -1.17 years in females. The ages at maturity and longevities resulted respectively in 2.6 and 6.6 years for males; and in 2.1 and 9.0 years for females.

Conclusions:

In general, results indicate that M. higmani has a rapid growth, early maturity, short longevity, and annual reproductive cycle, characterizing it as a biologically productive species.