Abstract Full Text:PDF Recommended articles Mail to Author How to Cite

² A.O. Kovalevsky Institute of Biology of the Southern Seas of RAS (IBSS), Russia, Sevastopol, 299011, Nakhimov Av., 2 DOI : 10.4194/TRJFAS29817 Viewed : 185 - Downloaded : 183 This study examines the distribution, size-weight parameters, and feeding habits of Mediterranean horse mackerel Trachurus mediterraneus (Steindachner, 1868) during early development, along with growth, age structure, reproductive behavior, diet, and mortality rates of juveniles and adults in the northern Black Sea. Spawning peaks in July, as indicated by the gonadosomatic index dynamics. According to a logistic model, 50% of individuals reach sexual maturity at a total length of 11.09 cm at the age of one year. The highest abundance of eggs (69.9 ind./m²) and larvae (46.5 ind./m²) was recorded on July 28, 2019, in the Caucasus research area. Growth parameters estimated using the von Bertalanffy model were: asymptotic length (L∞) 21.8 cm, asymptotic weight (W∞) 77.2 g, and growth coefficient (k) 0.25 year⁻¹. Mortality estimates (Z= 1.03, M= 0.49, F= 0.54 year⁻¹) indicate an exploitation rate (E) of 0.53, indicating a high level of fishing pressure. This study presents the first comprehensive analysis of all ontogenetic stages of T. mediterraneus in the northern Black Sea, assesses the current population status, and provides a basis for forecasting future dynamics under climate change. Keywords : Trachurus mediterraneus Reproductive behavior Ichthyoplankton Diet Growth Mortality Black Sea