Both growth estimation and otoliths analysis represent a valuable source of information that can be used to reconstruct life-history traits of species, to investigate its trophic interactions, and delineate its stock structure. In this study, we focused on analysing the growth pattern and otolith’s shape of the spotted flounder Citharus linguatula (Linnaeus, 1758) with the aim of assessing the possible presence of biological and morphological variations between two population of specimens caught in a bottom trawling-banned area (Gulf of Patti, Sicily) and a commonly exploited area (GFCM Geographic Sub Area 11, Sardinia). A total of 600 individuals (332 in Sicily and 268 in Sardinia) were caught. Based on the results of a multi-model growth analysis, with the von Bertalanffy growth function selected as the best-fitting model, it has been pointed out that the Sicilian population seems to benefit the absence of bottom trawling, being capable to reach age up to 6 years, while in the whole Sardinian area no specimen above 3 years have been caught. In support of these initial findings, the shape analysis of the most representative age class further highlighted some differences in the otoliths’ contour, as confirmed by the ANOVA test and the Canonical Analysis of Principal Coordinates (CAP). Due to existing knowledge gaps and its susceptibility to fishing, we considered C. linguatula as an ideal candidate to explore the effects of intense bottom trawl activities on flatfish growth patterns. Such data are crucial for outlining effective, sustainable fisheries management strategies in marine ecosystems heavily influenced by human pressures.
Growth patterns and otolith shape variation in Citharus linguatula (Pisces: Pleuronectiformes) from two central Mediterranean areas exposed to different levels of fishing pressure
Bellodi, Andrea;Fodde, Elisa;Follesa, Maria Cristina;
2026-01-01
Abstract
Both growth estimation and otoliths analysis represent a valuable source of information that can be used to reconstruct life-history traits of species, to investigate its trophic interactions, and delineate its stock structure. In this study, we focused on analysing the growth pattern and otolith’s shape of the spotted flounder Citharus linguatula (Linnaeus, 1758) with the aim of assessing the possible presence of biological and morphological variations between two population of specimens caught in a bottom trawling-banned area (Gulf of Patti, Sicily) and a commonly exploited area (GFCM Geographic Sub Area 11, Sardinia). A total of 600 individuals (332 in Sicily and 268 in Sardinia) were caught. Based on the results of a multi-model growth analysis, with the von Bertalanffy growth function selected as the best-fitting model, it has been pointed out that the Sicilian population seems to benefit the absence of bottom trawling, being capable to reach age up to 6 years, while in the whole Sardinian area no specimen above 3 years have been caught. In support of these initial findings, the shape analysis of the most representative age class further highlighted some differences in the otoliths’ contour, as confirmed by the ANOVA test and the Canonical Analysis of Principal Coordinates (CAP). Due to existing knowledge gaps and its susceptibility to fishing, we considered C. linguatula as an ideal candidate to explore the effects of intense bottom trawl activities on flatfish growth patterns. Such data are crucial for outlining effective, sustainable fisheries management strategies in marine ecosystems heavily influenced by human pressures.
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