Comparison of age and growth of the marbled flounder pseudopleuronectes yokohamae (Günther, 1877) in the coastal waters of Japan

The marbled flounder, Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae (Günther, 1877), is one of the most economically important flatfish species in Japan. Research has been carried out on the age and growth of this species. However, there has been no comparison of growth rates of the fish from different locations. In this study, the age composition and growth trajectory of marbled flounder from different coastal waters in Japan were estimated and compared. Samples were collected from six locations, namely in the prefectures of Kagawa, Yamaguchi, Chiba, Niigata, Miyagi and Hokkaido. Age composition and growth trajectories were determined by analysing otoliths. The majority of specimens were found to be 2 to 3 years of age. Female marbled flounder were found to have a higher total length (TL) and growth rate than males. There were significant differences in growth curves for each of the sampling locations. There were also significant differences between males and females at each sampling location, with females attaining a higher theoretical maximum TL, longer lifespan and faster growth rate than males. The data from the current study can be used to help improve fish resource management.