Comparative characteristics of individual growth of Spicara flexuosa and Spicara maena (Pisces: Centracanthidae) inhabiting the south-western shelf of Crimea, Black Sea

Abstract

The analyzes of the length and age characteristics and growth peculiarities of two species Spicara  maena and Spicara flexuosa living on the South-Western shelf of Crimea are determined. The existing differences are shown, the issues of the influence of hydrological and climatic factors are discussed, as well as the features of the individual development of these species are noted. Calculations carried out using the Student's t-test showed that the weight and length of females and males differ, the probability of differences is in the range of 32–40%. Comparison of the obtained length-weight characteristics, index GSI and growth parameters with similar characteristics of Spicara species inhabiting different regions of the Mediterranean basin is carried out.