Some Observations on the Depth Range and Size of Devil Firefish Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) (Scorpaenidae) in Silifke Mersin (Turkey)

Abstract

In this study, we discussed the size of devil firefish Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828) specimen obtained from commercial fishermen who trawl off the coast of Taşucu, Silifke (36°3’32.70”N; 34°3’51.33”E). The obtained specimen was 335 mm in total length, 258 cm in standard length, and 0.696 kg in weight. The dissected specimen was a mature male. The testicles were weighed as 20.77 g and are in the third maturity stage. Additionally, during scuba diving to the underwater cave of Mersin Silifke, Beşparmak Island, a group of devil firefish was photographed at depths less than 15 meters. Contrary to many records on the hard rocky bottom at depths more than 20 meters, it has been observed by us that many anglers on the dock of Mersin Taşucu port were catching the devil firefish together with sympatric pufferfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus) in shallow waters of sandy bottom less than 3 meters at depth.