A study on growth characteristics of Torpedo marmorata (Risso, 1810) inhabiting İskenderun Bay

A Study on Growth Characteristics of Torpedo marmorata (Risso, 1810) Inhabiting Iskenderun BayThis study was carried out determine the age and growth characteristics of electric ray (Torpedo marmorata) in Iskenderun Bay. Total 117 Torpedo marmorata ranged 9.3 to 40 cm were caught by trawl and gill net between September 2010 and December 2011. 52,14 % was female and 47,86 % is male of the total population. The length weight relationship was found as W = 0.014×L3,0839. This study was the first example for the aging method for this species and Safranin-O method was also used for the first time. Growth model that is derived by using Von-Bertalanffy method of this species was: Lt=57.3177[ 1- e-0,187053 (t + 0.39231)]. Evaluation of the aging of this species made by two independent researchers and Index of Average Percent Error (IAPE) was defined as 7,96 %. On the other hand, according to Marginal Increment Analysis it was found out that age band growth was annual. Absolute and Relative growths of fish were determined. Thus first information about growth of this species was found out.Key Words: Electric Ray, Torpedo marmorata, Aging method, Growth, Safranin-O, Mediterranean Sea