A preliminary study on the feeding regime of European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus Walbaum 1792) in Izmir Bay, Turkey, Eastern Aegean Sea

The gut contents of Sardina pilchardus specimens captured in Izmir Bay were examined in order to determine their feeding regimes. Of the 365 stomachs examined, 321 (87.95%) contained food and 44 (12.05%) were empty. Analysis of gut contents verified that S. pilchardus feeds on zooplankton. The most important group in the diet of S. pilchardus was copepods (79.79%). Decapod crustacean larvae (8.17%) and bivalves (3.18%) were second and third, respectively, in order of importance. The application of analysis of variance to monthly data of numerical percentage, weight percentage, frequency of occurrence and index of relative importance indicated that there was no significant difference between months. Oncaea media was the most dominant species for six months of the year. Euterpina acutifrons, Centropages typicus, Calanoida, Oncaea sp. and Corycaeus sp. were the most dominant for March, April, May, September, October and December

Dužinsko-maseni odnos 47 ribljih vrsta iz Izmirskog zaljeva (istočni dio Egejskog mora, Turska)

Length-weight relationships were calculated for 47 fish species from the Izmir Bay in the Aegean Sea, Turkey. A total of 13243 fish specimens were sampled with several fishing gears in 1998-2001. The sample size ranged from 11 individuals for Nerophis ophidion to 1197 for Boops boops. The r2 values ranged from 0.82 for Nerophis ophidion to 0.99 for Scorpaena scrofa, and all regressions were highly significant (p<0.001). Values of the exponent b in the length-weight regression (W = aLb) ranged 1.970-3.727. The median was 3.042 and over 50% of the values were within 2.937- 3.186. Information from the present survey may be used for fisheries management or other practical purposes.Istraživan je dužinsko-maseni odnos za 47 vrsta u Egejskom moru (Izmirski zaljev). Ukupno je obrađeno 13243 jedinki uzorkovanim s nekoliko različitih ribarstvenih alata u razdoblju od 1998. do 2001. godine. Broj jedinki kolebao je od 11 za šilce gretenkljuno Nerophis ophidian do 1197 za bukvu, Boops boops. Vrijednosti koeficijenta determinacije r2 su kolebale u rasponu od 0.82 za šilce gretenkljuno N. ophidian do 0.99 za škrpinu, Scorpaena scrofa, dok su regresije bile statistički vrlo značajne (P<0.001). Vrijednosti eksponenata b kod dužinsko-masenih odnosa (W = aLb) su kolebale između 1.970-3.727. Srednja vrijednost je iznosila 3.042, dok se 50% svih vrijednosti kretalo u rasponu između 2.937 i 3.186. Dobiveni podatci iz ove studije mogu poslužiti svsishodno za potrebe gospodarenja ribljim bogatstvima kao i za neke druge praktične primjene

Dužinsko-maseni odnos 47 ribljih vrsta iz Izmirskog zaljeva (istočni dio Egejskog mora, Turska)

Length-weight relationships were calculated for 47 fish species from the Izmir Bay in the Aegean Sea, Turkey. A total of 13243 fish specimens were sampled with several fishing gears in 1998-2001. The sample size ranged from 11 individuals for Nerophis ophidion to 1197 for Boops boops. The r2 values ranged from 0.82 for Nerophis ophidion to 0.99 for Scorpaena scrofa, and all regressions were highly significant (p<0.001). Values of the exponent b in the length-weight regression (W = aLb) ranged 1.970-3.727. The median was 3.042 and over 50% of the values were within 2.937- 3.186. Information from the present survey may be used for fisheries management or other practical purposes.Istraživan je dužinsko-maseni odnos za 47 vrsta u Egejskom moru (Izmirski zaljev). Ukupno je obrađeno 13243 jedinki uzorkovanim s nekoliko različitih ribarstvenih alata u razdoblju od 1998. do 2001. godine. Broj jedinki kolebao je od 11 za šilce gretenkljuno Nerophis ophidian do 1197 za bukvu, Boops boops. Vrijednosti koeficijenta determinacije r2 su kolebale u rasponu od 0.82 za šilce gretenkljuno N. ophidian do 0.99 za škrpinu, Scorpaena scrofa, dok su regresije bile statistički vrlo značajne (P<0.001). Vrijednosti eksponenata b kod dužinsko-masenih odnosa (W = aLb) su kolebale između 1.970-3.727. Srednja vrijednost je iznosila 3.042, dok se 50% svih vrijednosti kretalo u rasponu između 2.937 i 3.186. Dobiveni podatci iz ove studije mogu poslužiti svsishodno za potrebe gospodarenja ribljim bogatstvima kao i za neke druge praktične primjene

Sezonski sastav hrane i odnos plijen-dužina kod šila Nerophis ophidion iz Egejskog mora

This study examined the gut content of 43 Nerophis ophidion individuals obtained from Izmir Bay, Eastern Aegean Sea. A four season sampling process provided 7 groups of prey: Ostracoda, Amphipoda, Gastropoda, Cirripedia, Decapod crustacea, bentic Cinideria and Copepoda (Calanoid, Harpacticoid, Cyclopoid-Sapphirina sp., E. acutifrons and Monstrilloid) Harpacticoid copepod, Cyclopoid copepod Cypris larvae and Ostracoda. Only 4 stomachs were empty. Gastropoda (9.47%), Amphipoda (37.22%) and Harpacticoid copepod (1.77%) are considered as dominant prey in the food composition of N.ophidion. On the other hand, Harpacticoid and Cyclopoid copepods are found in almost all sampling periods, and thus they are considered as major prey. Amphipoda was the most predominant prey in both spring (24.39%) and summer (12.82%), and Gastropoda (6.32%) in autumn. The presence of Harpacticoid copepods consumed by almost all lengths of fish indicates that their intake by pipefish derives from bentic vegetation rather than the water column. The ability to consume larger prey may be correlated with fish size. In our study, while larger Nerophis ophidion had an intake of relatively larger prey, they continued to catch smaller prey items as well. This result may imply that the bigger the fish in size, the more prey groups they could catch.U ovoj studiji su pregledana 43 želudca jedinki vrste Nerophis ophidion ulovljenih u Izmirskom zaljevu, istočni dio Egejskog mora. Nakon razdoblja jedne godine uzorkovanja (sve četiri sezone) utvrđeno je sedam grupa plijena: Ostracoda, Amphipoda, Gastropoda, Cirripedia, Decapoda, bentoski oblici Cnidaria i Copepoda (veslonošci) (Calanoid, Harpaticoid, Cyclopoid-Sapphirina sp., E. acutifrons i Monstrilloid), harpatikoidni kopepodi, cyclopodni veslonožac Cypris ličinke i Ostracoda. Samo su četiri želudca bila prazna. Gastropoda (9.47%), Amphipoda (37.22%) i harpatikoidni kopepodi (1.77%) su prevladavajući plijen vrste N. ophidion. S druge strane, Harpatikoidi i ciklopodini kopepodi su utvrđeni u gotovo svim razdobljima uzorkovanja i stoga se ubrajaju u glavni plijen. Amphipoda su najdominantniji piljen tijekom proljeća (24.39%) i ljeta (12.82%), a Gastropda (6.32%) tijekom jeseni. Nazočnost harpatikodinih kopepoda u svim dužinskim klasama ukazuje da njihova konzumacija vjerojatnije potiče sa bentoske vegetacije u odnosu na vodeni stupac. Mogućnost konzumacije većeg plijena je u korelaciji sa duljinom ribe. U ovoj studiji, veće jedinke uglavnom konzumiraju krupniji plijen no ne prestaju konzumirati i znatno sitniji plijen. Ovo može ukazivati i na to da što je veći grabežljivac to je njegova mogućnost ulova i konzumacije većeg broja različitih grupa plijena veća

Sezonski sastav hrane i odnos plijen-dužina kod šila Nerophis ophidion iz Egejskog mora

This study examined the gut content of 43 Nerophis ophidion individuals obtained from Izmir Bay, Eastern Aegean Sea. A four season sampling process provided 7 groups of prey: Ostracoda, Amphipoda, Gastropoda, Cirripedia, Decapod crustacea, bentic Cinideria and Copepoda (Calanoid, Harpacticoid, Cyclopoid-Sapphirina sp., E. acutifrons and Monstrilloid) Harpacticoid copepod, Cyclopoid copepod Cypris larvae and Ostracoda. Only 4 stomachs were empty. Gastropoda (9.47%), Amphipoda (37.22%) and Harpacticoid copepod (1.77%) are considered as dominant prey in the food composition of N.ophidion. On the other hand, Harpacticoid and Cyclopoid copepods are found in almost all sampling periods, and thus they are considered as major prey. Amphipoda was the most predominant prey in both spring (24.39%) and summer (12.82%), and Gastropoda (6.32%) in autumn. The presence of Harpacticoid copepods consumed by almost all lengths of fish indicates that their intake by pipefish derives from bentic vegetation rather than the water column. The ability to consume larger prey may be correlated with fish size. In our study, while larger Nerophis ophidion had an intake of relatively larger prey, they continued to catch smaller prey items as well. This result may imply that the bigger the fish in size, the more prey groups they could catch.U ovoj studiji su pregledana 43 želudca jedinki vrste Nerophis ophidion ulovljenih u Izmirskom zaljevu, istočni dio Egejskog mora. Nakon razdoblja jedne godine uzorkovanja (sve četiri sezone) utvrđeno je sedam grupa plijena: Ostracoda, Amphipoda, Gastropoda, Cirripedia, Decapoda, bentoski oblici Cnidaria i Copepoda (veslonošci) (Calanoid, Harpaticoid, Cyclopoid-Sapphirina sp., E. acutifrons i Monstrilloid), harpatikoidni kopepodi, cyclopodni veslonožac Cypris ličinke i Ostracoda. Samo su četiri želudca bila prazna. Gastropoda (9.47%), Amphipoda (37.22%) i harpatikoidni kopepodi (1.77%) su prevladavajući plijen vrste N. ophidion. S druge strane, Harpatikoidi i ciklopodini kopepodi su utvrđeni u gotovo svim razdobljima uzorkovanja i stoga se ubrajaju u glavni plijen. Amphipoda su najdominantniji piljen tijekom proljeća (24.39%) i ljeta (12.82%), a Gastropda (6.32%) tijekom jeseni. Nazočnost harpatikodinih kopepoda u svim dužinskim klasama ukazuje da njihova konzumacija vjerojatnije potiče sa bentoske vegetacije u odnosu na vodeni stupac. Mogućnost konzumacije većeg plijena je u korelaciji sa duljinom ribe. U ovoj studiji, veće jedinke uglavnom konzumiraju krupniji plijen no ne prestaju konzumirati i znatno sitniji plijen. Ovo može ukazivati i na to da što je veći grabežljivac to je njegova mogućnost ulova i konzumacije većeg broja različitih grupa plijena veća

A temporal approach for morphological indices of the common sole (Solea solea Linnaeus 1758) from the coast of the Aegean Sea, Turkey

810-818Temporal changes of the morphological indices (Relative Gut Length (RGL), Fullness Index (FI), Hepatosomatic Index (HSI), Visceral Index (VSI), Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and Fulton condition)) in 122 (♀: 94, ♂: 19, immature: 9) common sole were evaluated. Total length-weight relationships were calculated as W = 0.085TL3.01 and W = 0.0547TL2.40 in females and males, respectively, whereby isometric growth was observed in females and negative allometric growth was observed in males. While there was no statistically significant difference was observed between the FI, HSI, Viscerosomatic Index (VSI), RGL and GSI values of both sexes, however, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of Fulton K values (P < 0.05). In addition, there are statistical differences between the sexes total lengths and the values of RGL, FI, HSI, VSI, and Fulton-K (P < 0.05), as it is discernible in their HSI and VSI index values according to the month the specimens were obtained (P < 0.05). According to the results of the analysis, it has been determined that the female common sole along the Aegean coast adjust their energy temporally and store the energy they obtain from vegetative and carnivorous feeding. Contrary to the situation seen in females, the male individuals invest in energy through omnivorous feeding, according to the diet in the active process. Based on the results, it can be stated that the VSI and HSI are both important indicators of fish condition status. The results found here may be useful in both fishery research and fishery management

A temporal approach for morphological indices of the common sole (Solea solea Linnaeus 1758) from the coast of the Aegean Sea, Turkey

Temporal changes of the morphological indices (Relative Gut Length (RGL), Fullness Index (FI), Hepatosomatic Index (HSI), Visceral Index (VSI), Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and Fulton condition)) in 122 (♀: 94, ♂: 19, immature: 9) common sole were evaluated. Total length-weight relationships were calculated as W = 0.085TL3.01 and W = 0.0547TL2.40 in females and males, respectively, whereby isometric growth was observed in females and negative allometric growth was observed in males. While there was no statistically significant difference was observed between the FI, HSI, Viscerosomatic Index (VSI), RGL and GSI values of both sexes, however, there was a statistically significant difference in terms of Fulton K values (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, there are statistical differences between the sexes total lengths and the values of RGL, FI, HSI, VSI, and Fulton-K (P &lt; 0.05), as it is discernible in their HSI and VSI index values according to the month the specimens were obtained (P &lt; 0.05). According to the results of the analysis, it has been determined that the female common sole along the Aegean coast adjust their energy temporally and store the energy they obtain from vegetative and carnivorous feeding. Contrary to the situation seen in females, the male individuals invest in energy through omnivorous feeding, according to the diet in the active process. Based on the results, it can be stated that the VSI and HSI are both important indicators of fish condition status. The results found here may be useful in both fishery research and fishery management

Blood Cell Morphology and Plasma Biochemistry of the Captive European Pond Turtle Emys orbicularis

The morphological characteristics of peripheral blood cells, micronucleated erythrocytes counts and plasma biochemistry profile were examined in ten healthy captive European pond turtles Emys orbicularis. Blood samples were obtained from the caudal vein. The Wright staining method was used for the classification of the blood cells. Mature erythrocytes of captive Emys orbicularis were nucleated ellipsoidal cells (21.7 ±1.27μm × 13.2 ±1.12 μm) with pink cytoplasm. The nucleus (6.9 ± 0.78 μm × 5.4 ± 0.65 μm) was centrally located and stained dark purple. Seven different types of blood cells were determined: erythrocytes, thrombocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and heterophils. The micronucleated erythrocyte (MNE) values were 0.0016 and 0.003 for the males and females, respectively. The MNE results were presented as the mean frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes per 1000 cells per animal. The mean plasma concentrations in the total of specimens were as follows: total protein (25 g/L), albumin (7.2 g/L), globulin (17.8 g/L), glucose (2.91 mmol/L), calcium (2.32 mmol/L), phosphorus (1.55 mmol/L), creatinine (46.85 μmol/L), urea (10.93 mmol/L) , triglycerides (0.44 mmol/L), cholesterol (1.48 mmol/L), sodium (125.76 mmol/L), potassium (3.98 mmol/L), chloride (93.94 mmol/L), iron (13.34 μmol/L) and activities of aspartate aminotransferase (2.14 μkat/L), alanine aminotransferase (0.15 μkat/L), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (2.15 U/L), amylase (8.09 μkat/L), lactate dehydrogenase (19.93 μkat/L). We found sex-dependent differences only in ALT [(0.21 μkat/L and 0.10 μkat/L for the males and females, respectively) (t = 3,107; df = 14; p Emys orbicularis. We suggest that the biochemical profile described in the present study may be used as a standard profile for healthy Emys orbicularis kept in captivity

Genetic Variation of the Nile Soft-Shelled Turtle (Trionyx triunguis)

We studied the genetic structure of Trionyx triunguis populations from the Mediterranean and African continent based on mtDNA D-loop (776 bp) and nine microsatellite loci. A total of 102 polymorphic sites and 13 mtDNA haplotypes were described. Nucleotide diversity and haplotypes diversity were 0.047 and 0.974 respectively. Both mtDNA and nDNA supported the existence of two main management units as the Mediterranean and Africa. Based on the mtDNA results, the Mediterranean can be divided into two subunits; western Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean