Some biological parameters of Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827) from the eastern Adriatic Sea

Pagellus acarne (Risso, 1827), although considered a common species, has never been a subject of biological research in the eastern Adriatic Sea. The aim of this study, conducted on 1188 specimens of this species in the period from 2007 – 2008 was to fill that gap. Here we present growth parameters, describe reproductive cycle and feeding habits of this species originating from the eastern Adriatic Sea. Age of the specimens was determined by direct reading of otoliths; the oldest male was 6 yerars old, and the oldest female 11 years old. Growth was described with von Bertalanffy model with following parameters: L ∞ = 27.0 cm, K = 0.29, t0 = -1.52, R2 = 0.902. This species is characterized by protandric hermaphroditism and its spawning period lasts from August to December. Hermaphroditic specimens were found in length classes from 16,1 to 25,5 cm. Females are characterized by relatively low fecundity. Length of the first maturity was 16,1 cm for males and 17,7 cm for females. Investigation of its feeding habits revealed that it feeds mainly on benthic invertebrates and its prey constitutes mainly of crustaceans and polychaetes. Feeding activity was highest in spring and lowest in winter.