Some Biological Features of Tinca tinca Population in Asartepe Reservoir (Ankara)

Abstract

Tinca tinca (L., 1758) grafted into Turkish inland waters in 1970 has shown constantly widening distribution since then. It is a locally consumed species with limited economic value. The elucidation of length-weigh relation, condition factor and biological features are of great importance in the determination of the effects of different habitats on particular species. T. tinca is regarded as an important species to be monitored among the fish taxa. This study was intended to study some biological aspects of T. tinca population in Asartepe Reservoir and to compare the results with the available information. The study has been carried out on 131 T. tinca species caught in Asartepe Reservoir between the periods of March 2015-February 2016. The morphometric and meristic properties and the ratio of some diagnostic features to the standard length were elucidated. The highest and the lowest variations observed among the morphometric features were in body length with 21.35% and eye diameter with 8.31%. The corresponding values for the meristic features were pectoral fin unbranched rays with 30.09% and number of vertebrae with 2.68%. The highest percentage relative to the standard length was found in predorsal distance with 56.95%. The age distribution of T. tinca population was between the ranges of 1-9 years of age. The average weight and length were found to be 520.58 ± 207.84 g (103-1,302 g) and 308.68 ± 41.38 mm (190-429 mm). The parameters of a and b of length and weight relation and the correlation coefficient were found to be 0.9692, 3.0522 and 1.6807 ± 0.1264 (1.4199-2.0368), respectively. The results indicate that the growth level of T. tinca population is satisfactory.