Some Biological Properties of Date Mussels, Lithophaga Lithophaga L., 1758 (mytilidae) in the Gulf of Antalya

This research has been carried out to investigating of some biological aspects of date mussels, Lithophaga lithophaga distributing in Gulf of Antalya, in February 2015 – January 2016. The samples were used to determine length and live weight frequency distributions (nonlinear regression using the allometric function), size (length, breadth, thickness) – size relationship (linear regression). The length – live weight relationships of L. lithophaga were determined by the general formula W = a x L, where “W” is the live weight in grams, “L” the sizes (length, breadth, thickness) in cm, and "a" and "b" are the constants to be calculated. Length – breadth and length-thickness relationship were determined by log W = log a +b log L. The statistical analysis of “r” and 95% confidence limits of the parameters “a” and “b” were calculated. Mean size and weight of samples was calculated 75.58 ± 17.65 cm, 6.56 ± 5.27 g, respectively. Positive allometry was found for the breadth (B) on length and length on live weight relationship was displayed negative growth. Negative relative growth was recorded in the breadth on length and thickness on length (P<0.001).