The growth of Cheirodon interruptus (Ostariophysi: Characidae) under aquaculture conditions: implications to mitigate the impact of wild stock exploitation in Pampean wetlands

Abstract

Cheirodon interruptus is a small characid widely distributed in South America; it is the species most commercialized as a baitfish in the Pampean region. Harvesting wild fish to supply a market of about two million people exerts a significant impact on fish assemblage and the environment. In search of alternatives to reduce the harvesting impact, growth and time to reach commercial fish size were analyzed and linked to consumer demand to design a strategy for production optimization. Based on the Akaike selection criteria, the use of the logistic model is proposed to estimate growth in C. interruptus aquaculture management. A differential growth by sex was observed, with females reaching a larger final size and males showing higher growth rates. These characteristics are useful to meet demand, optimizing time and space in the production schedule. The combined sequence of growth models and the demand curve show that a total of 5 induced spawning events are necessary to guarantee supply during peak seasonal demand. The results of this study can help to replace current fishing on wild fish populations, contributing to the regulatory frameworks in force and, hence, preventing degradation in fragile Pampean wetlands and aiding their recovery.