Distribution and biological features of the common pandora, Pagellus erythrinus (Linnaeus, 1758), in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean)

Aim of the present note consists in performing a synthetic analysis of the distribution, abundance and biological traits of the common pandora (Pagellus erythrinus). Data were gathered in 15 experimental bottom trawl surveys carried out off the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea from 1994 to 2008. Specimens were present in all the investigated area with a preference for the upper continantal shelf (10-100 m). The highest persistence was recorded in the trawl banned areas. The sex ratio ranged between 0.60 and 0.96. The overall estimation resulted 0.78. The size at onset of sexual maturity (Lm at 50%) was achieved at 157 and 170 mm for females and males, respectively. The length-weight relationship for all individuals was described by the following parameters: a = 0.016 and b = 2.905. Growth was evaluated (sex combined) by applying length based methods; up to eight significant modal components were evidenced. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters for the whole population were (L? = 454 mm, K= 0.08 and t0= -2.57). Present results are in agreement with the information available for the other Mediterranean stocks suggesting common biological features.