THE EFFECT OF SEXUAL DIMORPHISM ON GROWTH OF THE BLACK SEA TURBOT, Psetta maxima
lhan AYDIN
Sexual dimorphism in growth of the Black Sea turbot (n=119), Psetta maxima, was studied in a long-lasting (12 months) growth experiment at ambient temperature. The influence of onset of puberty and subsequent maturation on growth was evaluated. There were no initial size differences, but the final weight of females was larger than that of males (P 0.05). Significant growth differences between sexes were detected at the age of 30 months post hatch (P 0.05). Maturing females had the highest growth rate and reached the largest size (1454.0 ±369.99 g in 0 months), whereas male body weights leveled off around 1187.6±248.87 g. This growth advantage substantiates the need to develop techniqus for the production of all-female juveniles in the hatchery.
