Length-Weight Relationship of Diamondback puffer Lagocephalus guentheri from the northeastern Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

The length-weight relationship data is important basic information that helps to compare species between populations and habitats. In this study, we provide detailed information on the length-weight relationships and condition factors of Lagocephalus guentheri from the Iskenderun Bay, northeastern Mediterranean Sea. A total of 408 (262 Female, 146 Male) specimens were collected on commercial trawlers by local fishermen caught between December 2022 to December 2023 from Iskenderun Bay. The total length range was 11.0-36.9 cm and 11.2-36.7 cm for females and males, respectively. The total weight values of females and males ranged from 20.30-1080.50 g and 20.50-1012.36 g, respectively. The length-weight relationship of L. guentheri was calculated as W = 0.0098 × L3.2145 (R2 = 0.9960) for females, W = 0.009 × L3.2399 (R2 = 0.9963) for males, and W = 0.0095 × L3.2243 (R2 = 0.9962) both sexes. The Fulton’s condition factor was observed as 1.2384 for females, 1.2504 for males, and 1.2335 for both sexes. This study is the most recent reference on length-weight relationships and condition factors for L. guentheri after correction of species identification. It is very important to determine the population parameters of pufferfish species to shed light on the studies to be carried out to restore the ecological balance in the Mediterranean ecosystem. This study will provide basic information that will be useful for fisheries scientists and managers in the Mediterranean Sea.