JUVENILES OF SCAD (Alepes djedaba) USING THE UMBRELLA OF THE JELLYFISH Rhopilema nomadica AS A SHELTER


Gökoğlu M., Yıldız A.

VI. International Agricultural, Biological & Life Science Conference, Edirne, Turkey, 18 - 20 September 2024, pp.117-122

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • City: Edirne
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.117-122
  • Akdeniz University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Rhopilema nomadica is considered one of the most dangerous invasive species in the Mediterranean. This species negatively affects the Mediterranean ecosystem, fishing, industrial facilities, tourism, and human activities in coastal waters. It has been determined that some juvenile fish are hiding under the umbrellas of these medusas drifting westward from the coast of Antalya during the winter and spring months. Thirty-three juvenile fish were detected on the R. nomadica sample having a bell diameter of 33 cm and weight of 6550 g in April. In identifying the species, it was determined that these juveniles belonged to Alepes djedaba. The average length and weight of these juveniles were determined as 44.54 mm and 1.38 grams, respectively. The smallest juvenile was found to be 23 mm in length and 0.14 g in weight, and the largest juvenile was 74 mm in length and 4.89 g in weight. According to these results, it can be said that in the Mediterranean ecosystem, R. nomadica contributes to the population increase of this fish by providing shelter to the juveniles of A. djedaba, which is also a Red Sea migrant.