First approximation of the growth and the spawning period of Symphodus ocellatus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces: Labridae) in the southeastern Black Sea

The aim of this study was to provide a first approximation of the growth, reproduction, and length–weight relationships of Symphodus ocellatus in the southeastern Black Sea, Turkey. A total of 320 specimens (273 males, 47 females) were collected between June 2015 and May 2016, and their biological parameters were estimated for each sex and both sexes combined. Total length ranged from 6.90 to 13.70 cm and the parameters (a, b) in the power length–weight relationships were a = 0.065 and b = 2.38 for males and a = 0.102 and b = 2.20 for females. Age was successfully estimated by commonly accepted procedures for otolith analysis. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters from the otolith age estimation were L∞ = 12.66 cm, k = 0.764, and t0 = –1.151 (0–3 years) for males, and L∞ = 14.15 cm, k = 0.764, and t0 = –0.188 (1–3 years) for females. The monthly gonadosomatic index values reflected a spawning period between April and July, with a spawning peak in May–June. The present study provides the first estimate of the growth and reproduction of S. ocellatus in the southeastern Black Sea of Turkey and compares the results with those from other areas.