First Data on Some Biological Aspects of the Caucasian Goby, Ponticola constructor (Nordman, 1840) (Teleostei: Gobiidae) From the Lower Çoruh River Basin (NE Türkiye)

The present study describes for the first time some biological aspects (size composition, sex ratio, length-weight relationship and condition factor) of Ponticola constructor (Caucasian goby) inhabiting Borçka Dam Lake its tributaries from lower Çoruh River Basin located in northeastern Türkiye. Fish samples were caught June 2017 to May 2018 by using trammel nets with various mesh sizes pulsed DC electrofishing device. A total 145 Caucasian goby (78 females 67 males) ranging 6.8 cm 13.4 TL sampled during study. ratio female male was calculated as 1.16:1.00 which did not deviate expected 1:1 (χ² = 0.834, p˃0.05). relationships determined W= 0.016TL2.896 (r2=0.995, p˂0.05) females, 0.018TL2.841 (r2=0.993, males 0.017TL2.856 (r2=0.994, combined b-values significantly different isometric growth (b=3) indicating negative allometric all sexes (Pauly’s t-test, p˂0.05). regression analysis revealed that coefficient determination r2>0.99 showing a highly significant correlation between length weight. differences slopes (b values) LWR statistically both (ANCOVA, p<0.05). Fulton's factor (K) values ranged 1.124 1.312 1.076 1.426 good this habitat. No difference observed mean K (t-test, p>0.05). will provide baseline on parameters guideline fisheries management authority scientists further investigations well presents known reference LWRs species FishBase database. Furthermore, reported results may contribute conservation sustainability area.