RELAÇÃO PESO-COMPRIMENTO DA PESCADA BRANCA, Plagioscion squamosissimus HECKEL, 1840 (PERCIFORMES, SCIAENIDAE) DESEMBARCADA NO MUNICÍPIO DE OIAPOQUE

The present study analyzed the weight-length relationship of Plagioscion squamosissimus , popularly known as pescada. A total of 100 females and 77 males were analyzed monthly in the period from January to December 2008, from the artisanal fishery carried out by fishermen from the community of Taparabu, Municipality of Oiapoque. The relation total weight (g) and total length (cm), which tends to the mathematical expression Wt = a.Lt b , was estimated through regression and application of Student's t test, in order to determine the type of growth and to analyze the possible distinction between the values of the allometry coefficient (b). The values of b found for males (b = 2.56) and for females (b = 2.58) and for both sexes grouped (b = 2.67) were statistically different (b ≠ 3). Analyzes indicated negative allometric growth (b <3), and therefore growth in weight was relatively lower than growth in total length. The difference between b values between males and females may be related to environmental aspects, such as the food condition of the organisms. Knowledge about the bioecology of the species in its parameters of growth and its relation with environmental factors, as well as the characterization of the fish on the stocks, can help in the correct management and ordering of the fishing resources. Keywords: Artisanal fishery; Allometry; Growth.