Resumo

BECKER, F. G.; BRUSCHI JR., W.  e  PERET, A. C.. Age and growth of three Odontesthes species from Southern Brazil (Atherinopsidae), with reference to phylogenetic constraints in their life-history. Braz. J. Biol. [online]. 2003, vol.63, n.4, pp. 567-578. ISSN 1519-6984.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1519-69842003000400004.

The age and growth of three silverside species are described, and a discussion on possible phylogenetic constraints on life-history characteristics is presented. Samples were collected monthly between March 1992 and February 1993 in three freshwater coastal lakes. Standard length-total length (Ls-Lt) and weight-length (Wt-Lt) relationships studied showed interspecific differences in comparisons between juveniles and adults, males and females. Age was determined by scales. The three species presented a life-cycle duration of 4 to 5 years, with growth coefficients values (K) between 0.37 and 0.63, and asymptotic lengths between 211 and 257 mm. Some interspecific differences may be useful for distinguishing between species (sexual and life-stage related patterns in L_s-L_t and W_t-L_t). The observed life-cycle ranges and maximum sizes were compared to those of other silversides and revealed a pattern coherent with available phylogenetic hypotheses at the supra-generic level, indicating that some life-history characteristics may be subject to phylogenetic constraints.

Palavras-chave : life history; phylogeny; age; growth; Atherinopsidae.