Reproductive biology and population structure of the Mediterranean killifish <i>Aphanius fasciatus</i> in a coastal lagoon of the Sea of Marmara
MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/17451000.2026.2716239
- Dergi Adı: MARINE BIOLOGY RESEARCH
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Environment Index, Geobase, Zoological Record, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The Mediterranean killifish Aphanius fasciatus is a characteristic species of Mediterranean transitional water ecosystems and an important component of lagoon biodiversity. This study investigated the reproductive biology and population structure of A. fasciatus inhabiting & Ccedil;ardak Lagoon in the Sea of Marmara (T & uuml;rkiye). Fish were sampled monthly between May 2024 and April 2025 using a beach seine net. A total of 489 individuals were analysed to determine population structure, length-weight relationships, reproductive parameters and condition factor. Total length ranged from 2.3-6.7 cm (mean: 4.3 cm). Length-weight analysis indicated positive allometric growth in females (b = 3.21) and in the combined population (b = 3.20), whereas males showed isometric growth (b = 3.01). The estimated size at first sexual maturity (L-5(0)) was 3.1 cm for females and 4.2 cm for males. Gonadosomatic index values revealed a clear seasonal reproductive cycle with peak spawning occurring between April and May. Fecundity ranged from 10 to 326 oocytes (mean: 67 +/- 6.3). Seasonal shifts in length-frequency distributions suggested recruitment following the spring-summer spawning period. The observed seasonal reproductive pattern coincided with temporal changes in temperature and salinity. This study provides site-specific baseline information for monitoring the A. fasciatus population and its habitat in & Ccedil;ardak Lagoon.