Abstract

REYES-BONILLA, Héctor et al. Growth, age and mortality rate of the crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, in the southern gulf of California, Mexico, during an outbreak event (2017-2018). Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2026, vol.97, e975635.  Epub Feb 04, 2026. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2026.97.5635.

The asteroid Acanthaster planci is an important corallivore, and the investigation of some aspects of its population ecology are required. The objective of this study was to estimate demographic parameters of A. planci at Espíritu Santo Archipelago, Gulf of California. Between July 2017 and October 2018, the disk diameter of 356 specimens was measured, and with these data the theoretical maximum diameter, growth and mortality rates, and longevity of the population were estimated on the basis of size frequency analyses. The maximum disk size was 30.8 cm, growth rate was 0.429 yr-1, longevity was 6 years, and mortality rate was 1.039 yr-1. Age of the individuals assessed in 2017 fluctuated between 1.0 and 1.25 years, and in 2018 was from 1.75 to 2.25 years, which suggests that the 2016 cohort caused a noteworthy population to increase recorded for A. planci in 2017. This event may have resulted from the combination of high larval recruitment favored by the warm water brought by the 2015 El Niño, and high juvenile survival due to abundant algal food as consequence of La Niña in 2016.

Keywords : Length frequency; FISAT; Mortality; Growth; Recruitment; Outbreak.

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