A study on the population characteristics of pearl mullet (Chalcalburnus tarichi, Pallas, 1811) in Erçek lake

Population structure and growth and reproduction properties of pearl mullet (Chalcalburnus tarichi, Pallas, 1811) which lives in Erçek Lake were investigated in this study. Between January 2008 ? January 2009, 527 fish samples collected by using hand nets and seine nets of which mesh sizes were 20 mm, 22 mm and 24 mm. Fork length, body and gonad weight and sex and fecundity were determined in the sampled individuals. Opercular bone and otolit was used for age determination. Condition factor and GSI were calculated on this data. Age groups among the investigated individuals were found between II - VII. Mean length was 21.985±0.9 cm. Weight varied between 40 - 280 g. Length - Weight relationship as W=0.0201*L2.8449, in length and in weight von Bertalanffy equation was Lt=39.5229*(1-e-0.089(t+5.096)) and Wt=699.2525*(1-e-0.089(t+5.096))2.8449. According to GSI data spawning, migration date was between April and the beginning of August. Total fecundity was found 20109±606. Fecundity ? Length relationship was counted F=8.9362*L2.4522. The mean Condition factor was 1.255±1828. Rate of male and female was investigated approximately at 1:1 in this situation females were relatively predominant.