GROWTH, DIET AND CONDITION OF GOLDSINNY ON THE WEST-COAST OF SCOTLAND

A study of seasonal, locational and sexual variations of growth, diet, somatic condition (K-S), gonadosomatic condition (GSI) and hepatosomatic condition (HSI), of the goldsinny wrasse, Ctenolabrus rupestris, was made on specimens taken from three areas (Millport, Oban and Luing) of the west coast of Scotland from May 1992 to June 1993. Capture throughout the year was by either baited creel or by anaesthetics applied underwater. Male goldsinny of age 1 year and older ranged in total length from 67-155 mm, total weight 3.8-58.8 g, and had a maximum age of 14+ years. Females of 1 year and older ranged in total length from 59-159 mm, total weight 2.4-65.4 g and had a maximum age of 20+ years. Juvenile (0+) goldsinny were mostly of indeterminate sex, ranged in total length from 16-57 mm, and total weight 0.08-1.97 g. Female growth was slower than that of males for all three locations, growth of male and female goldsinny from Millport was slower than the respective sexes at the other two locations. Length-weight relationships varied with age and location. There were differences in K-S, GSI, HSI and dietary trends associated with variation in season, sex and location. The implications of this variation are discussed in relation to the management of a sustainable goldsinny fishery.