Biometry analysis of the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the eastern Adriatic Sea

Abstract

           A sample of 450 specimens of the black scorpionfish, Scorpaena porcus (Linnaeus, 1758), from the middle and south Adriatic was biometrically analysed. The total length of all specimens ranged from 7.0 to 25.8 cm. Eighteen morphometric and eight meristic characteristics were determined. Sexual dimorphism was observed in seven morphometric measurements. There were no differences in meristic characters between sexes. Relative growth was studied by comparing changes in morphological characters with growth in standard and head length. The results obtained suggest the existence of one unique population of S. porcus in the Adriatic Sea.