engleski

Seasonal pattern of population dynamics, spawning activities, and diet composition of sardine (Sardina pilchardus Walbaum) in the eastern Adriatic Sea

Monthly samples from commercial catches obtained with purse seiners operating on the Croatian fishing ground (eastern Adriatic Sea) were collected throughout 2013, excluding January and December due to fishing ban. Overall 1, 010 sardine individuals were analysed. Total body length ranged from 10.4 to 17.6 cm (mean ± SD: 13.9 ± 1.28 cm). Slightly larger individuals were caught during autumn at the beginning of spawning season. Analysis of length–mass relationship showed that sardine specimens grow isometricaly (b = 3.063). Seasonal oscillations of condition factor indicated that examined specimens were in the best condition by the beginning of the spawning cycle. The analysis of stomach contents indicated that sardines preferred animal food (calanoid copepods, Oncaea spp., Farranula rostrate), although a plant component was also present (Bacillariophyceae). Seasonality was also observed in diet analysis with diet changing in terms of feeding activity and prey quantity. The observed seasonal alternations of allometric condition factor and fullness index additionally confirmed that sardines were in best condition at the beginning of spawning season for which it prepared itself by higher feeding intensity leading to higher storage of consumed energy.

small pelagics ; feeding habits ; reproduction ; Adriatic ; Mediterranean

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