Age, growth, and ontogenetic variation in the sagitta otolith of Opsanus beta (Goode & Bean, 1880), a non-native species in a wetland of international importance

Invasive species are among the most important problems for biodiversity conservation worldwide, particularly in megadiverse countries such as Brazil. However, there is no biological information to develop policies managing invasive populations many cases. The life history parameters and otolith variations essential understanding adaptations of introduced marine environments. This study aimed identify age structure ontogenetic variation sagitta Opsanus beta. Fish samples were obtained monthly Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC), south shape indices verified otoliths (PERMANOVA; F = 110; P < 0.0001), but sexual observed 3.65; > 0.05). Specimen aged between 1 9 years PEC, with highest occurrence individuals 3 6 (78%). No differences ages by Kimura test. Our results confirm that O. beta population well established groups similar region where native.