Comparative Demography of Five Holocentridae Species from American Samoa

This study provides the first insights into the age-based life histories of five Holocentridae species (soldierfish and squirrelfish) from American Samoa: Myripristis amaena, M. berndti, M. murdjan, Sargocentron spiniferum, and S. tiere. Examination of sagittal otoliths revealed that all five species exhibited long lifespans with maximum estimated ages of 17 to 40 years. The Holocentridae complex exhibited a consistent slow-turnover strategy characterized by long lifespans, asymptotic growth profiles, and low rates of instantaneous total mortality (Z ≤ 0.20 yr−1). Reproductive information, derived from histological examination of gonads, indicated that the onset of maturity for all five species occurred later than is typical for many demersal reef fishes. This pattern was exemplified by female S. tiere, which reached 50% maturity at age 6.5 years. The size at maturity occurred between 65% and 91% of asymptotic length for all species. All species demonstrated a primary spawning season during the austral summer (October–February).