Growth and feeding habits of the brown comber, Serranus hepatus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea

Abstract

        Age, growth and diet of brown comber, Serranus hepatus, were determined from specimens collected in Izmir Bay, Aegean Sea. Total length ranged from 5.20 to 11.70 cm, while weight varied between 1.89 and 24.97 g. The length-weight relationship was W=0.0157*L^2.998. Age was determined by otolith readings, where a maximum age of 4 years was observed. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters were estimated as L_∞=11.90 cm, k=0.56, t_o=–1.14. Stomach content analysis revealed that the species is carnivorous, with benthic crustaceans constituting the main food in the overall diet composition.