Population study of the protected bivalve Pinna nobilis
(Linnaeus, 1758) in Thermaikos Gulf (North Aegean Sea) |
SOFIA
GALINOU-MITSOUDI*, GEORGE VLAHAVAS and OLGA PAPOUTSI
Alexander Technological Educational Institution of
Thessaloniki,
Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture Technology, Campus of Nea
Moudania,
632 00 Nea Moudania, Chalkidiki, Greece |
Abstract
The population structure and the age and growth of the protected bivalve
Pinna nobilis were studied in the Thermaikos Gulf (North Aegean
Sea). The density was 1.04±0.17 ind m-2, the highest reported until now
in the Mediterranean Sea. Mean length was 34.35±11.78 cm and maximum
length (Lmax) was 69.10 cm, which indicated an undisturbed natural
population. Allometric relations between morphometric and/or weight
parameters were calculated and they indicated that P. nobilis has
the priority to ensure the living space for its body growth and
protection. Length frequency distribution and the observed age structure
indicated that the P. nobilis population studied was constructed
mainly of small and medium sized/aged individuals. In comparison with
other Mediterranean populations of P. nobilis, the growth rate of
the East Thermaikos population was among the smallest ones (k = 0.063),
while the maximum length (L∞ = 73.77) was among the largest ones.
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