Distribution and biological features of the common pandora, Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean)

Abstract

A synthetic analysis of the distribution, abundance and some biological traits of the common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus) was performed. Data were gathered in 15 experimental bottom trawl surveys carried out off the southern Tyrrhenian Sea from 1994 to 2008. A total of 2,166 P. erythrinus were found in the investigated area, with a preference for the upper continental shelf (10-100 m). The highest persistence was recorded in the trawl-banned areas. The sex ratio Sr = F/(F ? M) ranged between 0.60 and 0.96 (overall 0.78). The size at which 50 % of the individuals were mature was 157 and 170 mm total length for females and males, respectively. The length-weight relationship for all individuals was described by the following parameters: a = 0.016 and b = 2.905. Growth was evaluated (sexes combined) by applying length-based methods; up to eight significant modal components were evidenced. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for the whole population were estimated at L ? = 454 mm, K = 0.08 and t 0 = -2.57. The present results are in agreement with the information available for the other Mediterranean stocks suggesting common biological features.

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“…Length at first maturity (L 50 ) estimated in western Algerian coast for Pagellus erythrinus is lowest than those observed in Tunisia 15.32cm (Ben smida & Hadhri., 2014); Tyrrhénian sea 15.7cm (Busalacchi et al, 2014); Portugal 17.29cm (Coelho et al, 2010); and higher than those found by (Metin et al, 2011) in the central Aegean Sea 11.30cm.…”

“…The predominance of females can be explained by protogynous hermaphroditism and an abundance of young individuals among the stock (Metin., 2011). The presence of small sized males (primary males) and large females in our samples suggests that sex change does not occur in each individual (Busalacchi et al, 2014).…”

“…1986;Ghorbel, 1996., Pajuelo & Lorenzo 1998., Busalacchi et al, 2014. The predominance of females can be explained by protogynous hermaphroditism and an abundance of young individuals among the stock (Metin., 2011).…”

“…Valdés, García-Alcázar, Abdel, Arizcun, Suárez, & Abellán (2004), reported that the common pandora is a suitable species for aquaculture in the Mediterranean and that the correct determination of the species spawning period is also very important. Spawning period, sex-ratio, GSI, length at first maturity and length weight relationship were studied in different regions such as, Agean sea (Hossucu & Çakır., 2003 ;Metin et al, 2011) (Busalacchi, Bottari, Giordano, Profeta, & Rinelli, 2014). In Tunisia, studies were conducted from Gulf of Gabès (Ghorbel & Ktari., 1982) also in the Gulf of Tunis (Fassatoui & Romdhane, 2010;Zarrad, Cherif, Gharbi, Jarboui, & Missaoui, 2010) To date there is no information published on the biology of this Sparid in Oran Bay, nevertheless a number of studies were conducted, we mention (Dieuzeide, Novella, & Roland, 1955) ;Cherabi, (1987) in the Bay of Algiers and Rouidi., (2011) in the Bay of Jijel.…”

Length-weight relationship and growth parameters of the commercial fish Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Actinopterygii: Sparidae) from northern and southern Tunisia

“…Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a common fish species with a wide distribution in the Mediterranean, Black Sea, and the eastern Atlantic Ocean, from Scandinavia to Cape Verde (Fischer et al 1987). It is found in depths up to 320 m, while most commonly it occupies the depth range between 10 m and 100 m (Somarakis & Machias 2002;Spedicato et al 2002;Busalacchi et al 2014). Pagellus erythrinus is mainly a protogynous hermaphroditic fish (Buxton & Garratt 1990).…”