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Age estimation and specific growth pattern of boxlip mullet, Oedalechilus labeo (Cuvier, 1829) (Osteichthyes, Mugilidae) in the eastern Adriatic Sea

The main objective of this study was to investigate does boxlip mullet, Oedalechilus labeo (Cuvier, 1829), as species who lives in open, oligotrophic and stenohaline waters, exibit slower growth rate and a longer lifespan than the other mugilids. A total of 1662 specimens ranging from 2.2 to 24.4 cm TL were obtained by beach seine in the eastern Adriatic Sea. The overall sex ratio was unbalanced in favour of females (1.0:1.3) and it differed statistically from the expected 1:1. The reproductive season extended during summer and autumn months. All specimens above 15 cm TL were sexually mature. The length-weight relationship for males was TW (g) = 0.010 x TL (cm) 2.975 and for females TW (g) = 0.009 x TL (cm) 3.014. The 389 individuals used for the age study consisted of 150 (38.5%) males, 192 (49.4%) females and 47 (12.1%) immature O. labeo. Age of the fish was determined by the scale reading and the maximum age of 10+ was observed for both males and females. Predominance of age classes 1+ and 2+ in the total catch (71.0% individuals) was noticed. The parameters of the von Bertalanffy growth equation for combined sample were: L∞ = 25.93 cm, k = 0.192 yr-1 and t0 = -1.427 yr. The growth parameters of males and females showed that males grow at a slightly lower rate than females. The size and age frequency distributions of both sexes were not significantly different. When compared to other mugilids, O. labeo reaches the lowest maximum body length and has a relatively slower growth with a longer life span.

age estimation; specific growth pattern; Oedalechilus labeo

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