MESENTERIC FAT AND CONDITION OF CHUB MACKEREL, Scomber colias IN THE ADRIATIC SEA

The aim of the study was to investigate lipid storage (as mesenteric fat) and condition (as Fulton’s, allometric and relative coefficient) of Scomber colias in the Adriatic Sea. A total of 4,189 chub mackerels were sampled between January 1998 and December 2007 with fork length and weight ranged from 10.1-39.1 cm (mean±SD: 23.8±4.68 cm) and 8.90-804.50 g (mean±SD: 164.49±102.70 g), respectively. Seasonality of the fat reserves as well as condition had been noticed in this investigation. Namely, during the warmer part of the year, the fishes were without fat reserves and condition coefficients (Fulton’s, allometric and relative) were low. Females had shown lower values than males in all condition coefficients. After the spawning season, chub mackerel males accumulated fat much more quicker and faster than the females.