Bony structure dimensions-fish length relationships of pike (Esox lucius L., 1758) in Lake Ladik (Samsun, Turkey)

Abstract

The relationships between otolith length (OL), otolith width (OW), otolith weight (OWE), cleithrum length (CL) and fish length (TL) of pike captured from Lake Ladik were evaluated using 11 different mathematical models. Total lengths of the samples ranged from 273 mm to 744 mm. The variations in the right and the left side measurements of the two bony structures were not statistically significant (p>0.05). There was significant difference in cleithrum lengths of females and males (p<0.05). The relationships between TL versus OL, TL versus OW and TL versus CL were determined as linear, whereas the relationship between TL versus OWE was determined as logarithmic.