This paper deals with the schooling structure of Brazilian-sardine, Sardinella brasiliensis (Steindachner, 1879), in coastal waters of Rio de Janeiro State (Brazil). Samples were obtained from schools caught by commercial fishery in the area of Angra dos Reis (23º-24ºS, 44º-45ºW), from autumn/1999 to summer/2000, comprising 2,278 fishes. In average, males had total lengths and weights lower than those of females, with major differences in weights. Seasonal fluctuations of average total weights are associated with the annual reproduction cycle and condition factor, mainly in females. Sex-ratio was around 1:1, except in winter, when females were in majority. Mature males and females were found all along the year, with a peak in the spring-summer, showing a long reproduction period of successive spawning of reproducers in a same school, since individual spawning is complete. Total lengths when 50% of fishes are mature differ between males (18.2 cm) and females (19.2 cm). The schools can be considered as spawning schools, as they were found in a spawning ground, and consisted almost exclusively of adults, with a long annual reproduction period.
Brazilian-sardine; Sardinella brasiliensis; schooling structure; Rio de Janeiro; Southeast Brazil