Biometry, length-length and length-weight relationships of juveniles and adults of Atlantic bonito, Sarda sarda, in the eastern Middle Adriatic Sea

Abstract

        This paper presents some biological features of juvenile and adult specimens of Atlantic bonito, Sarda sarda (Bloch, 1793), in the eastern middle Adriatic Sea. A total of 194 specimens were analysed, of which 93 were juveniles and 101 were adults. Juvenile individuals ranged from 5.7 to 8.4 cm while adults ranged from 39.3 to 56.7 cm.
        In order to analyse biometry, nine morphometric characters were analysed. Length-length equations for overall converted body lengths of fish were linear. Comparison of length-length relationships between juvenile and adult specimens showed statistically significant differences in almost all morphometric characteristics, except for the fork length–second dorsal fin base. Females insignificantly prevailed in adults. Overall gonads were in post-spawning state. Juveniles were unsexed. Length-weight relationships of juveniles and adults were W = 0.0033LF^3.424 and W = 0.0149LF^2.984, respectively.