Evidence on Otolith Structure and some Ecological Features of Three Small Foraging Species along the Southern Black Sea Coast

In this study, we aimed to describe otoliths provide information about the stomach contents of three small foraging species and contribute currently limited biological ecological evidence species. Seasonal experimental bottom trawl surveys were conducted along shelf areas Kızılırmak-Yeşilırmak Melet Rivers collect investigation materials which abundant in bycatch composition target catch. The body size measurements, abundance values, depth, season, locality samplings was recorded for further evaluations. Otolith shapes defined as discoidal ovate Aphia minuta, Pomatoschistus marmoratus, square Arnoglossus kessleri. mean length weight values shallow coastal waters (0-30 m), significantly different between localities sampling but no difference found depth ranges. whose distribution varied depths seasons had dense distributions with range 30-60 m. kessleri most 0-30 m samples over 60 It that only among similar ranges localities.