No abstract

No abstract

This paper analyses the age and growth pattern of the four-spotted megrim (Lepidorhombus boscii), collected in the north Aegean Sea. The otoliths of the species exhibit bilateral asymmetry. Our data indicates that males have shorter lifespans (0–6 y) than females (0–8 y) and reach lower asymptotic lengths. A significant difference in growth rate exists between the two sexes after the first year of life. Growth in length is greater in females than males, whereas males appeared to be heavier than females of the same size. The latter was also corroborated by the higher accumulation of lipids in the muscle of males in relation to females. The growth rate of the species in the Atlantic was higher than in the Mediterranean. The oligotrophic character of the study area seemed to have a negative effect on the growth of megrims.

As from January 2010 The Israeli Journal of Aquaculture -Bamidgeh (IJA) will be published exclusively as an on-line Open Access (OA) quarterly accessible by all AquacultureHub (http://www.aquaculturehub.org) members and registered individuals and institutions. Please visit our website (http://siamb.org.il) for free registration form, further information and instructions.This transformation from a subscription printed version to an on-line OA journal, aims at supporting the concept that scientific peer-reviewed publications should be made available to all, including those with limited resources. The OA IJA does not enforce author or subscription fees and will endeavor to obtain alternative sources of income to support this policy for as long as possible.