Comparative Analysis of Morphometric and Meristic Characters of Turbot Scophthalmus maximus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Actinopterygii: Scophthalmidae) from Four Sites along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

Morphometric and meristic characters of fish are important for species differentiation, overall stock status assessment, in the analysis of the population structure and genetic variations within and between populations and as an indicator for utilization of environmental resources or habitat diversity. Comparative analysis of morphometric and meristic characters of Scophthalmus maximus L. sampled in the regions of Shabla, Shkorpilovtsi, Nesebar and Tsarevo along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast was carried out. Selected growth models as length-weight relationship (LWR) and relationships and ratios as standard length (SL) - total length (TL), head length (HL) - body depth/height (BD/BH), BD/BH - SL were studied, aiming at identification of specific or significant differences in the sampled specimens and indirect differentiation of specific environment constraints in species habitat. The studied turbot populations demonstrated considerable intra-species morphometric variations, which are further to be justified by thorough analysis of genetic diversity at a local and regional level. Environmental differences between sites in the sampling period have not been recorded and the species habitat appeared to be homogenous in terms of abiotic environment.