Work

Biological and growth parameters of Plotosus lineatus in the Mediterranean Sea

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined the age distribution and growth characteristics of the striped eel catfish (Plotosus lineatus), which is an invasive alien species in the eastern Mediterranean. A total of 1,011 samples were collected from Iskenderun Bay (Turkey), with lengths ranging from 5.1 to 16.8 cm, predominantly comprising females (1:1.92). Age 3 represented the majority in the population (52.03%). The value of the scaling exponent “b” of the length-weight relationship was less than “3” for both sexes (females: 2.28; males: 2.26; combined: 2.27). The results for the von Bertalanffy growth parameters were observed for the combined sexes as, L∞ = 24.9934 cm, k = 0.1718 year−1, and t₀ = −1.7707 years. The striped eel catfish populations in Iskenderun Bay exhibited negative allometric growth patterns and were predominantly composed of adult individuals. This study presents the dataset on the length-weight correlations, age-growth characteristics, and von Bertalanffy growth parameters of Plotosus lineatus in the Mediterranean Sea, thereby significantly contributing to comprehending the stock dynamics. It is anticipated that this study will make a significant contribution to the management of P. lineatus stocks, given its invasive nature.

Source: PeerJ

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16945

Authors: Servet Ahmet Doğdu, Cemal Turan

Institution: İskenderun Technical University

Language: English

Topic: Fish Biology and Ecology Studies

Subfield: Aquatic Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Life below water

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,395