The investigation of some population parameters of Garra rufa (Heckel, 1843) in Murat river

This thesis study was carried out to determine the some population parameters about growth of Garra rufa (Heckel, 1843) known as doctor fish living in Murat River. A total of 322 fish sample examined in the study was caught by using cover net and electro-shocker between March 2016 and February 2017 in the Murat River. After the length and weight of fish samples was measured in the laboratory, its ages were determined by using scale. Some growth parameters were confirmed by means of standard methods. FAO-ICLARM FISAT II Pocket Program was used to determine the von Bertalanffy growth parameters. The female-male rate of population consisting of I-V age groups was confirmed as 1:1.24. The regression coefficient (b) in the length-weight relationship was determined as 2.4551 (allometric) for females, as 2.2039 (allometric) for males and as 2.3167 (allometric) for all individuals. The total lengths and weights of examined fish samples were varied from 5.1 cm to 15.5 cm and from 3.0 g to 50.6 g, respectively. Mean condition factor of all age groups of populations was calculated as 1.17. The highest relative growth (39.56%) was materialized between I and II age groups. Von Bertalanffy growth parameters of population were calculated as L∞=16.33 cm, K=0.37 year-1, t0=-0.18 year, W∞=42.59 g for female, as L∞=15.25 cm, K=0.43 year-1, t0=-0.03 year, W∞=31.37 g for male and as L∞=15.88 cm, K=0.39 year-1, t0=-0.13 year, W∞=36.62 for all population. Growth performance index (Φ') used to compare of growth parameters obtained from different studies was calculated to be 4.59 for female, to be 4.61 for male and to be 4.59 for both of them.