Otolith Shape Analysis and Otolith Morphometry of Bogue Boops boops (Linnaeus, 1758) in the Aegean Sea and the Marmara Sea

In the present study, otolith shape indices and some otolith morphometric characteristics in the left and right sagittal otoliths were identified and compared for Boops boops in the Aegean Sea and the Marmara Sea. Otoliths of Boops boops from 244 individuals in the North of Aegean Sea and 188 individuals from the Southwest of Marmara Sea were analyzed during the 2024 fishing season. The total length-otolith dimensions relationships were evaluated, the best fit was obtained between total length and otolith perimeter in the Marmara Sea and Aegean Sea, while the least fit was obtained among total length and otolith area of right otoliths, total length and otolith length of left otoliths in the Aegean Sea and Marmara Sea. Some similarities of Boops boops stocks were found with shape indices and otolith morphometry between the Aegean Sea and Marmara Sea. The otolith area and circularity of the left otolith, roundness and rectangularity of the right otolith, form factor of left and right otolith were significantly different (p