Azov Percarina

Distinguished from Percarina demidoffii by its unique character of having scaled cheek. Differs further by the combination of the following characters: body pigmented; back and flanks grey with numerous dense small dark dots, which may be fused into larger spots along base of dorsal fins (Ref. 59043).Description: D VIII-X, II-III 10-12; A II 8-11 (Ref. 2058)

Dorsal soft rays (total): 10 - 12; Analspines: 2; Analsoft rays: 8 - 11

Inhabits coastal fresh and brackish waters with salinities up to 7 ppt, and river mouths. Occurs in groups. From about 6 mm SL feeds actively on planktonic crustaceans, at 16-40 mm on larger copepods and mysids, and from second year of life on Knipowitschia longecaudata, Clupeonella cultriventis, benthic worms, molluscs and insect larvae. Attains first sexual maturity at 1 year of age. Spawns in at least saline part of Gulf of Taganrog in June-July. Adults migrate to open sea soon after spawning. Eggs are released over mud bottom. Eggs hatch in 2 days and larvae first lie on bottom, moving to the surface at 4 days (Ref. 59043).