Some Biological Characteristics of Picarel (Spicara smaris, Linnaeus 1758) in the Eastern Black Sea Coast of Turkey

Authors: TEMEL ŞAHİN, YAŞAR GENÇ

Abstract: In this study, the following biological characteristics of picarel (Spicara smaris, Linnaeus 1758) in the Eastern Black Sea Coast have been examined: sex and age distribution, growth in length and weight, growth rates, condition factor and spawning period. A total of 456 individuals, ranged between age groups I-VI, have been composed by 61.41 % females, 38.58 a/o males. The length and weight differences between females and males were significant in age group II (P<0.01). The lengh-weight relationship for females and males were estimated as follows, respectively: W=5.10569* 10^{-3} * L^{3.22326} , W=6, 50002* 10^{-3} *L^{3.12604} Von Bertalanffy growth constants were estimated as L_? = 33.523 cm, K = 0.12534, t_o=-2.8487, for females, and L_?=27.374 cm, K=0.19299, t_o=-2.4049 for males. The condition factor differences between females and males were not signifıcant. Accoding to GSI values, it has been determined that spawning occurs durıng May and June, and they reach sexual maturity at the age one year old.

Keywords: Eastern Black Sea, Picarel (Spicara smaris), Growth, Condition Factor, Spawning

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