Daily growth patterns and age-at-recruitment of the anchoveta Engraulis ringens as indicated by a multi-annual analysis of otolith microstructure across developmental stages.

The anchoveta (Engraulis ringens) plays a key role in the ecology of the Humboldt Current System and is of major economic importance; however, many aspects of its early life history are still poorly understood. In this study, an analysis of daily age and length patterns was carried out using the sagittal otoliths from wild larvae (0-0.2 cm standard length, L ), pre-recruits (3-6 cm total length, L ), recruits (7-12 cm L ) and young adults (12-15 cm L ).