Biometry analysis of the Atlantic bonito, Sarda sarda (Bloch, 1793), in the Adriatic Sea

Abstract

      This paper presents the biometry analysis of the Atlantic bonito, Sarda sarda (Bloch, 1793), population in the eastern mid Adriatic Sea for 1997-2000. A total of 665 specimens were analyzed. Fork length ranged 33.0-67.0 cm. Nine morphometric and seven meristic characters were assessed. Sexual dimorphism was noticed in two meristic and three morphometric characters. The relation between total length and fork length is presented. Relative growth was studied by comparing changes in morphological characters with growth in fork length. Length-weight relationship is presented as well.