[Growth and sex maturation of a population of Saccostrea palmula (Mollusca: Bivalvia), Costa Rica]. / Crecimiento y madurez sexual de una población de Saccostrea palmula (Mollusca: Bivalvia), Costa Rica.

Growth and sexual maturity in Saccostrea palmula were studied between May 1998 and May 1999, in Morales estuary, Punta Morales, Puntarenas, Costa Rica (n = 540 individuals according to sample size equation). The weight-length relationship for the population was Pt = 2.13 x 10(-2) Lt1.6602 and von Bertalanffy growth function was Lt = 68.2 (l- e -0.1577 t). The mean sex ratio was 1.00 male: 0.92 females with sexually mature individuals found throughout the year. Spawning activity was highest between November and January. The mean condition index (IC = PCF/PV x 100) for the population was 121.53 +/- 2.24 and the mean meat yield was 10.32 +/- 1.64%.