An Observation About Maximum Size Record of Blotched Picarel (Spicara maena Linnaeus, 1758) from Northern Aegean Coasts of Turkey

Özgür Cengi̇z

doi:10.33714/masteb.678829

Abstract

Maximum length and weight are important parameters and they are commonly used in life history studies and fishery science. Therefore, it is important to regularly bring up to date the maximum size of commercially important species. The accurate estimates of the maximum size of fish in a population are important issues. Because the parameters related to maximum length, weight and age in fish communities within an ecosystem are constantly used in population dynamics and stock estimation studies, recording of such data is vital for determining the life history of fish. In this connection, a single specimen of blotched picarel (Spicara maena) with 20.3 cm in total length and 159.00 g in total weight was caught off Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey) with handline at 20 m water depth by a commercial fisherman on October 20, 2019. Its length and weight were the maximum size of Spicara maena for Saros Bay.

Highlights

Blotched picarel (Spicara maena Linnaeus, 1758) is a commercial species inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the European and African coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, from Morocco to Portugal and the Canary Islands (Jardas, 1996)
Its length and weight were the maximum values of Spicara maena for Saros Bay (Northern Aegean Sea, Turkey)
Saros Bay, which is situated in the Northeastern Aegean Sea, is connected to the North Aegean Sea with a depth of approximately 600 m to the west

Summary

Introduction

Blotched picarel (Spicara maena Linnaeus, 1758) is a commercial species inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, and the European and African coasts of the Atlantic Ocean, from Morocco to Portugal and the Canary Islands (Jardas, 1996). This species mostly occurs over Posidonia beds and sandy or muddy bottoms, and distributes up to 100 m depth. Maximum length and weight are important parameters used in life history studies and fishery science. These measurements applied directly or indirectly in most stock assessment models (Borges, 2001). It is important to regularly update the maximum size of commercially important

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Conclusion