Growth parameters and mortality rate of Neogobius caspius (Eichwald, 1831) in southern part of the Caspian Sea (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

In the present work, due to the lack of information on population dynamics of the Caspian goby, Neogobius caspius , we aimed to investigate growth and mortality parameters of this species captured from the south part of the Caspian Sea (Mazandaran Province) during a year from April 2014 until March 2015. Growth and mortality rates were assessed using age calculation. By using least squared method, L ∞ and K of the specimens were 16.83 cm and 0.67 year -1 in female specimens and 17.76 cm and 0.83 year -1 in male specimens, respectively. Comparison of the growth curves resulted by likelihood ratio method showed a significant difference between two sexes ( P 0.05). Based on the results presented here, the present investigation can be regarded as basis for future studies on Caspian goby.