Abstract

In this study, the relationships were determined between the macro (Na, Mg, P, K, Ca), potential toxic metal, As, and trace element, Zn, levels of the muscle tissue and fish size (length and weight) in Serranus cabrilla (Linnaeus, 1758) caught via bottom trawl boat from the Yeşilovacık Bay (Northeastern Mediterranean, Turkey). The potential toxic metal, macro and trace element levels of the muscle tissue of S. cabrilla were determined. Besides, the relationships between fish size and metal levels were investigated. For this study, S. cabrilla individuals of 0-1, 1-2 and 2-3 age groups were used. Min-Max total length of the age groups was determined as 10.5-11.8, 13.0-15.5 and 15.8-16.5 cm; Min-Max weights were 15.34-23.66, 30.41-43.82 and 41.89-58.18 g respectively. There was no statistical difference between the age groups according to the macro and trace element levels of muscle tissue. The Arsenic levels of the muscle tissue were high and in general displayed variation with age. The present study firstly reported the relationship between mineral-metal levels and individual size-age of S. cabrilla.