Otolith parameters and body size relationships of Boops boops Linnaeus, 1875 and Nemipterus randalli Russel, 1986 from the Antalya Bay, Mediterranean coast of Türkiye

Context Morphometric analysis aids species, population, and stock differentiation. There is a lack of information on the relationship between fish size and otolith size for most of the species in Antalya Bay, Türkiye. Aims Explore fish size–otolith variable relationships. Methods Samples of two fish species from Antalya Bay, Türkiye, were collected for otolilth and fish size determination. Key results Strong correlations show trophic and population insights; regional factors drive species-specific formulas. Conclusions This study established several relationships between fish size and otolith characteristics for two commercial species sampled in Antalya Bay and nearby regions. Although further research is needed to fully understand the population structure of these two species in Antalya Bay, the current findings may provide insights for future studies on the biology of B. boops and N. randalli species. Such studies are particularly valuable in this highly polluted area, which lies at the forefront of one of the world’s busiest commercial tanker routes. Implications Year-round sampling and pollution monitoring are crucial in this high-traffic zone.