Some aspects of the biology of Abu mullet Liza abu (Heckel, 1843) in the Orontes River, Turkey

The age, growth and reproduction are described for 411 individuals of abu mullet from the Orontes River in Turkey between May 2011 and April 2012. The overall male to female ratio was 1:1.29. Fork length of all individuals ranged from 2.2 to 18.5 cm and total weight from 1.85 to 66.40 g. Isometric growth was observed for males (b=2.938) and all individuals (b=2.907); positive allometric growth was observed for females (b=3.246). The von Bertalanffy growth parameters based on data from otoliths were L_∞ = 19.48 cm, k=0.258 year⁻¹ and t₀=−1.738 years for males, L_∞ = 20.31 cm, k=0.313 year⁻¹ and t₀=−1.432 years for females. The growth performance index (Φ) was found to be 1.99 for males, 2.11 for females and 2.18 for all individuals. The mean condition factor (K) was calculated as 0.792±0.027 for males and 0.835±0.030 for females. Length at maturity was 11.49 cm for males and 11.82 cm for females. The fecundity was 14413±1569 with an egg diameter of 0.44±0.07 mm. Spawning period was between April and August. Abu mullet has acclimated well in the Orontes River and is capable of successful reproduction. Its calculated age and size at maturity was smaller and younger than for other populations.