Influence of Abiotic Environmental Factors on the Growth Rate of Red Mullet

Abstract

Abstract A study of the interannual variability of the size-age composition of M. barbatus ponticus, inhabiting the south-western shelf of the Crimea, was carried out over a five-year period (between 2016 and 2020). The influence of habitat temperature on growth rate is considered. Equations obtained characterize the size-weight growth of M. barbatus ponticus. The influence of the sea temperature on the development of individuals is considered. It is shown that with an increase in the average annual water temperature, the average annual length (correlation coefficient r = 0.97), weight (r = 0.96) and condition factor (r = 0.93) of individuals increase. It was found that red mullet has a positive allometric growth in the study area. The analysis showed that there was a close correlation between changes in the average annual temperature and the allometric growth rate b (r = 0.97). The equations of length growth of M. barbatus ponticus showed retarded linear growth of the fish living on the south-western shelf of the Crimea in comparison with other areas, Sinop region (Black Sea) and the Aegean Sea. The comparison of the effect of temperature on the size and weight parameters of M. barbatus ponticus living in the south-eastern part of the Black Sea (Sinop region) and the Aegean Sea is carried out; general patterns and differences are noted.