A long-lived life history for a tropical, deepwater snapper (Pristipomoides filamentosus): bomb radiocarbon and lead–radium dating as extensions of daily increment analyses in otoliths

Abstract

Growth characteristics of Pristipomoides filamentosus, a deepwater eteline snapper of major economic importance, are incomplete and inconsistent across its geographical range. Early growth rates have been validated using daily increment and length–frequency analyses, but historical estimates of adult growth rates are variable and longevity is unknown. Studies of P. filamentosus in the Hawaiian Islands have cautioned against unjustified estimates of longevity, but 18 years has at times been uncritically assumed as the maximum age. The present study addresses these age, growth, and longevity issues using lead–radium and bomb radiocarbon dating by providing valid age estimates for adult P. filamentosus. Valid length-at-age estimates ranged from approximately 10 years to more than 40 years. These data, together with robust daily increment data, were used to model a fully validated, long-lived life history for P. filamentosus. This study adds to the few existing studies supporting a view that many tropical fishes, particularly deepwater species, can be longer lived than previously surmised.