Biometric characteristics and relative growth of four-spot megrim Lepidorhombus boscii (Risso, 1810) (Pleuronectiformes: Scophthalmidae) in the eastern Adriatic Sea

Biometry analysis was performed on 270 specimens of four-spot megrim Lepidorhombus boscii (Risso, 1810) from the eastern Adriatic Sea. The sample consisted of 145 females (53.70 %) and 125 males (46.29 %). The range of total body lengths of individuals was from 12.5 to 34.0 cm (20.96 ± 3.54 cm). A total of 18 morphometric and 6 meristic features were measured. Analysis showed statistically significant differences between males and females in relation of the length of the pectoral fin and the standard length of the body, the number of vertebrae, and the number of rays of the ventral fin, thus proving the existence of sexual dimorphism in certain biometric features of L. boscii in the Adriatic Sea. The relative growth was analyzed by examining the variations of morphological characteristics with total and head length growth, and the relation between minimum and maximum body height. The presented results are the first detailed biometric description of L. boscii in the Adriatic Sea.