black sea red data book - Department of Biology

Biology. Feeds mainly on crustaceans, mostly decapods, but also on fish and
molluscs; spawning from December till July, with maximum intensity in June-July;
pelagic eggs, spherical in shape, with a large fat drop.
Population trends. A rare species, caught with bottom trawls but also with long-
lines and band lines. The species constitutes a separate statistical category in Turkey.
In the other countries it is included in larger statistical categories, being rare in
catches. On the Turkish coasts catches were 80 t (1989), 60 t (1990) and 1121 (1991).
Threats. Hypoxia, pollution.
Conservation measures taken. None.
Conservation measures proposed. Reduce eutrophication/pollution.
References
Chervona Knyga Ukrayiny, 1994. (Red Data Book of Ukraine). Kijiv, Ukrajinska
Encyclopediya Publ.: 283 pp (in Ukrainian).
FAO, 1973. Species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Mediterranean and
Black Sea, fishing area 37. Rome.
Radu, G., E. Leonte, G. Butoi, F. Verioti, A. Gorban & E. Radu, 1996. Principalele
specii de pesti si mamifere din Marea Neagra (Determinator). Main fish and mammal
species from the Black Sea (Identification sheets). IRCM Constantsa (in Romanian).
Compiled by A. Petranu
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