black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Limiting factors. Loss of vegetation, essential for its development and spawning;
eutrophication of littoral waters; hydrotechnical works which reduce the Zostera
fields.
Biology. Feeds on crustaceans and juvenile fish; spawning period from March till
August; females lays eggs in the incubation pocket of males; incubation lasts four
weeks.
Population trends. Very common in the Zostera fields in the Agigea and Mangaba
marine zones until 1950-1970, more rare in the Cystoseira fields of the southern
littoral zone during the same period. During the last two decades, the population
diminished due to the reduction of the Zostera fields. Presently caught in stake nets.
Threats. Predatory fish; anthropogenic pressure.
Conservation measures taken. None.
Conservation measures proposed. Purification of the drainage waters of coastal
cities.
References
Banarascu, P., 1964. Fauna of R. P. Romane, Pisces, Osteichthyes. Bucurest,
Ed.Acad.R. P. Romania.
Muller, G. I., V. H. Skolka & N. Bodeanu, 1969. Preliminary data regarding the algal
and animal populations associated with the Cystoseira barbata fields from the
Black Sea Romanian littoral. Hidrobiología 10: 270-289. (In Rom.).
Compiled by G. Radu & F. Verioti.
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