Selectivity of tigertooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) gillnet in fishing grounds of Oman Sea, Iran

Tigertooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) fishing has increased recently in southern Iran due to its economic value. In the present study, O. ruber gillnets with opening mesh sizes of 73, 85 and 90 mm were used to assess the selectivity of the nets. For this purpose, three panels each of commercial nets having mesh sizes of 73, 85 and 90 mm, were connected which formed an experimental net for sampling from January to May 2020. A total of 619 specimens of O. ruber were caught and the selectivity curves were plotted using the Sechin method. Results showed that the mean total lengths of O. ruber caught with mesh sizes of 73, 85 and 90 cm were, 26.89 ± 4.00; 35.33 ± 3.43, and 37.05 ± 3.32 cm, respectively. Considering the length at sexual maturity of 40 cm, it seems that gillnet with mesh size of 90 cm is the most suitable fishing net for catching the species. Keywords: Mesh size, Otolithes ruber, Sechin method, Selectivity curves