Age, growth, reproduction and feeding habits of brown comber, Serranus hepatus (L., 1758) in eastern Aegean Sea

Abstract

Age, growth, reproduction and feeding habits of brown comber in the eastern Aegean Sea were analysed. Total length and weight of population varied between 6.50-11.70 cm and 3.53-25.80 g respectively. Age was determined by otolith readings and maximum age was observed as 4 years. Including both sexes von Bertalanffy growth equation parameters were expressed as L?= 12.50 cm, k= 0.54 yr-1, t0= -1.08. Monthly values of the gonadosomatic index indicated that reproduction starts in March and lasts during July, with a maximum in May. Stomach contents were mainly Crustacea (%IRI= 97.51) and Pisces (%IRI= 2.49). © Biharean Biologist, Oradea, Romania, 2012.