Age validation and contrasted growth performances of Pseudoplatystoma punctifer (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in two river systems of the Western Amazon

Abstract The doncella Pseudoplatystoma punctifer is an economically and ecologically important catfish in the Amazon basin. However, little known about its age, growth population dynamics parameters. This study aims to validate formation of marks vertebrae individuals collected from two rivers systems Peruvian (Amazon-Marañón-Ucayali Putumayo) compare parameters using von Bertalanffy function between sexes systems. A total 372 Amazon-Marañón-Ucayali (AMU) system 93 Putumayo River were analyzed. one ring per year was validated individual ages ranged zero nine years old. Females grew significantly larger than males both Both females better AMU River. Maximum observed length size at maturity lower those reported previous studies area, together with proportion juveniles catches, suggest that species heavily exploited. Further on reproductive biology are needed order implement management measures more line current situation.