Geographical variation in the age/length relationship in Baltic flounder (Platichthys flesus)

Abstract

The age/length relationship in Baltic flounder (Platichthys flesus) was investigated by sex, based on otolith readings of 2925 individuals sampled from 11 stations along a transect from the Mecklenburg Bight to the Gulf of Finland in autumn 1994. A significant decrease in length at age was observed from the southwestern to the northeastern areas. However, with advancing age the differences in length became less pronounced. The size differences between sexes increased markedly with advancing age.