Examination of condition factor in male and female of freshwater mussels (Unio terminalis) according to size groups

Condition factor, which is an indicator of fatness, in male and female individuals of Unio terminalis in Gölbaşı Lake (Hatay) was tried to be determined according to their height groups for one year. Mussel shell volume was calculated based on the length, width and height values of male and female U. terminalis obtained from Gölbaşı Lake for 12 months, starting from October. The wet meat weights of the mussels separated from the shell were determined for male and female individuals, and the condition factor was determined according to the months and length groups. Condition factors of male and female mussels were compared according to size groups. Condition factor was found to be 17.79 ± 1.46 in the 4.50 - 4.99 cm height group of men. It was determined that female mussels were 19.76 ± 1.72 in the 5.50 - 5.99 cm length group. It was determined that the condition factor in male and female mussels was highest in August and lowest in October during the 12-month examination period. This study is the first study to determine the condition factor of U. terminalis, which is common in Gölbaşı Lake.