Asian Journal of Advances in Research

The African sardine Sardinella maderensis is an economically important small pelagic species distributed throughout the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Knowledge of its biological characteristics is essential for stock assessment and sustainable fisheries management. This study aimed to investigate the length–weight relationship (LWR), length–frequency distribution, sex-related size structure, and seasonal variation of the condition factor (K) of S. maderensis along the eastern Mediterranean coast of Syria.

Fish samples were collected monthly from commercial landings between January and December 2023. A total of 390 individuals, ranging from approximately 9 to more than 25 cm in total length, were examined. Length–frequency analysis revealed that the population was mainly composed of medium-sized individuals (10–20 cm), with females slightly dominating the larger size classes. The estimated LWR indicated near-isometric growth for both males (b = 2.97) and females (b = 2.90), suggesting proportional increases in body weight relative to length. Seasonal analysis of the condition factor showed noticeable fluctuations throughout the year, with the lowest values recorded during winter (K ≈ 0.65) and the highest values observed in April during the pre-spawning period (K ≈ 0.93 for females and 0.91 for males).

These findings indicate that although the growth pattern of S. maderensis remains relatively stable, the physiological condition of individuals varies markedly in relation to seasonal reproductive dynamics. The results provide important baseline biological data that can contribute to improved stock assessment and fisheries management strategies for this species in Syrian Mediterranean waters.