Daily ageing to delineate population dynamics of the invasive fish Gambusia holbrooki: implications for management and control

Despite the high global invasion profile of Gambusia holbrooki, there is limited knowledge its population dynamics, especially biological parameters for fine-scale delineation recruitment events that can provide a basis controlling this short-lived invasive species. Key to daily ageing otoliths, and in study 193 (~ 50%) 394 wild fish sampled from an invaded wetland were successfully aged. Increment counts growth rings otoliths aquaria-reared G. holbrooki did not correspond 1:1 their known ages but significantly correlated (P < 0.05, R2 = 0.92), suggesting use linear relationships could nevertheless be used estimate age wild-caught fish. Mean rate estimated spring-summer cohorts (0.28 mm/day) was much greater than winter (0.12 mm/day). A natural mortality 0.01 day− 1 females by catch-curve analysis via length conversion based on relationship. Birth closely with changes water temperature peak reproduction January (Austral summer) at site. This study, first time, estimates quantitatively examine which investigate dynamics choice pest control strategies, including scheduling assessment.