Reproduction Properties of Pike (Esox lucius L., 1758) Population in Lake Karamık (Afyonkarahisar/Turkey)

Authors: İSMET BALIK, HIDIR ÇUBUK, REMZİYE ÖZKÖK, RAHMİ UYSAL

Abstract: In this study, the spawning period, length at first sexual maturity and fecundity of the pike (Esox lucius L., 1758) population in Lake Karamık between March 2002 and February 2003 were investigated. Mean length at first reproduction (L_m) was determined as 19.7 cm for female pike. The monthly values of the gonadosomatic index indicated that spawning occurred between February and March. The relative fecundity was determined as 45.7 ± 4.9 eggs g^{-1} total body weight. Fecundity (F) - fork length (L) and Fecundity - weight (W) relationships were estimated as F = 2.8963 L^{2.3722} (r = 0.590) and F = 58.998 W^{0.9354} (r = 0.668), respectively. Mean egg diameter was 2.08 ± 0.07 mm.

Keywords: Lake Karamık, pike, spawning period, sexual maturity length, fecundity

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