Some biological parameters of Patella caerulea from the Black Sea

Limpets are common inhabitants of the midlittoral and upper infralittoral zones and play an important ecological role in the coastal ecosystem. The study aimed to assess growth, meat yield, morphological aspects, condition and reproduction features of Patella caerulea. About 58% of collected Mediterranean limpets were concentrated in the 25.0-34.9 mm shell length group. The average meat yield ratio was calculated as 39.34%. Mean growth increments for shell length (SL) and total weight (TW) were 23.99% and 97.99%, respectively. Results exhibited relatively high correlation coefficients among variables. Mean condition factor value was calculated as 14.2. Spawning occurs over a short period with ovigerous females observed on two month periods. Mean fecundity was calculated as 90,983±28,675 eggs/g whereas mean egg diameter was estimated as 160.6 μm. This study presents first baseline information about biological and morphological of Mediterranean Limpets population in Black Sea.