Distribution and size composition of juvenile mullets (Liza saliens) in nearshore waters of Southeastern Caspian Sea

Distribution and size range of juvenile mullets (Liza saliens) was investigated in Southeastern Caspian and Gorgan Bay from June 2014 to June 2015. Sampling performed with a fine mesh (2 mm) beach seine in five sampling sites, two in Caspian and three in Northern beach of  Gorgan Bay. The collected specimens belonged to smallest sizes between 13 to 90 mm. In summer the size range of 18-38 mm were dominant in Gorgan Bay but in Caspian stations the sizes between 30 to 62 mm were more abundant. Specimens with minimum lengths of 13 mm were captured in summer. In fall and winter juvenile mullets occurred in all stations but in Gorgan Bay the specimens had several times reduction in winter. Based on results,  juvenile mullets had a high abundance in nearshore waters of study area specially Gorgan Bay so these habitats could be considered as important nursery grounds for this species. The appearance time of juvenile mullets in nearshore waters of southeastern Caspian and beginning of a new life cycle is similar to western population of this species in Mediterranean Sea.