Length-Weight Relationship, Sex Ratio and Condition Factor of Merlangius merlangus (Linnaeus, 1758) From the Sea of Marmara, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, some biological properties of Merlangius merlangus (Linnaeus, 1758) were examined. In this context, relationship of length-weight, distribution of length-frequency, sex ratios and condition factors were examined. A total of 303 individuals were taken by random sampling from fishing vessels (beam trawl) in the Sea of Marmara. Minimum length and weight values of all sample individuals was found 10.0 cm and 6.6 g, maximum length 41.2 cm and 535 g was found. The average length was found 17.15±0.49 cm and the average weight was 47.03±7.57 g. Length-weight relationship for all samples as W=0.0044TL^3.1777 regression coefficient r2=0.98 was determined. Growth type, positive allometric was determined for all samples and both sexes (b˃3; P˂0.05). The sex ratio (F:M) was calculated as 1:1.27. The mean values of condition factor (K) were calculated as 0.729±0.089, 0.733±0.091 and 0.737±0.081 for male, female and combined sex respectively. There are no significant differences between male and female (P˃0.05).

Keywords

• Merlangius merlangus
• Length-weight relationship
• Demersal
• Fisheries

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