<span name="style_italic"> Orthopristis ruber</span> is a species in high demand in Eastern Venezuela, but production has been decreasing in recent years. For this reason, our objective was to estimate the growth and mortality parameters of this resource. Monthly samples were collected from June 2011 to May 2012, obtaining 2 980 specimens in El Tirano and Puerto Abajo. Data on total length (cm), total weight (g), and sex were recorded for each specimen. No sexual dimorphism was shown with respect to length (<span name="style_italic">t<span name="style_sub">s</span></span>=1.113, p&gt;0.05), so one length-weight ratio was established for both sexes (<span name="style_sub">s</span><span name="style_italic">Wt</span>=0.0612*<span name="style_italic">Lt</span><span name="style_sup">2.54</span>); and they both exhibited minor allometric growth. Growth was estimated by analysis of length frequency distributions using FiSAT software. The estimated growth parameters (<span name="style_italic">L<span name="style_sub">∞</span></span>=39.03cm, <span name="style_sub">∞</span><span name="style_italic">W<span name="style_sub">∞</span></span>=679.60g, <span name="style_sub">∞</span><span name="style_italic">k</span>=0.48/year and <span name="style_italic">t<span name="style_sub">o</span></span>=-0.32year) showed moderately rapid growth. Length frequency data were adjusted to the von Bertalanffy model, and indicated an exponential tendency of accelerated growth during the first years of life, followed by slow growth until the fish reached its maximum length. The coefficient of variation of the growth index (<span name="style_sub">o</span><span name="style_italic">Ø’</span>) demonstrated no differences in growth pattern. The natural mortality rate (<span name="style_italic">M</span>=0.97/year), from fishing (<span name="style_italic">F</span>=1.57/year), and total mortality (<span name="style_italic">Z</span>=2.54/year), were high, as well as the exploitation rate (<span name="style_italic">E</span>=0.62/year). We concluded that <span name="style_italic">O. ruber</span> has been fully exploited by artisanal fishers, and suggest a continuous study on population dynamics, to recommend optimum management techniques for the fishery. has been fully exploited by artisanal fishers, and suggest a continuous study on population dynamics, to recommend optimum management techniques for the fishery.

crecimiento; mortalidad; parámetros poblacionales; Orthopristis ruber; archipiélago Los Frailes; Venezuela