The growth characteristics of Liza (Mugil) abu (Heckel, 1843) in Atatrk Dam Lake

In this study, the population features of Liza abu in the Ataturk Dam Lake were examined. During the month of March 2004 and February 2005 period, 821 fish samples were collected by gillnets with mesh sizes of 18, 22, 26, 30, 34 and 38 mm. The total length differed between 11.10 and 22.20 cm. The total weights were 16.20 to 136.60 g, and the age distribution was between 1 and 5. 50.99% of the caught samples were female and 49.01% were male. The average condition values were K = 1.18 for males and K = 1.15 for females. The length-weight relationship was calculated as Log W = -0.87 + 2.08*Log L for males and Log W = -1.79 + 2.88*Log L for females. The Von Bertalanfy growth parameters were L∞ = 24.63 cm, K = 0.28, Lt = 24.63(1-e-0.28(t-(-1.36)), to = -1.36 years, W∞ = 362.95 g, K = 0.07 and Wt = 362.95 (1-e-0.07t-(-1.36)))0.93.   Key words: Ataturk Dam Lake, age, growth, Liza abu.