Structure and Reproductive Characteristics of Two Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) Populations in the Çoruh River Basin, North-eastern Anatolia, Turkey

Authors: MURAT ARSLAN, N. MEVLÜT ARAS

Abstract: The reproductive characteristics of 2 brown trout (Salmo trutta) populations were examined in 2 tributaries, the Anuri and Cenker streams, of the Çoruh River, north-eastern Turkey. Sampling was carried out by electrofishing monthly from November 2000 to October 2002. Age varied from 0 to 6 in the Anuri Stream, and from 0 to 7 in the Cenker Stream. Fork length (L) ranges were 4.29-29.9 cm and 3.7-34.4 cm for the Anuri and Cenker streams, respectively. The majority of individuals from both populations were smaller than 20 cm. While age and length at first maturity in males and females were 1.99 and 3.19 years, and 14.1 and 17.2 cm for the Anuri Stream, they were 1.99 and 3.22 years, and 14.0 and 17.3 cm for the Cenker Stream, respectively. Fecundity (F) was higher (P < 0.05) in the Cenker Stream (392 ± 46) than in the Anuri Stream (308 ± 27). Significant relationships were found between fecundity and length and weight for both populations (P < 0.05). Spawning took place in September and October in both populations.

Keywords: Brown trout (Salmo trutta), north-eastern Anatolia, reproductive characteristics

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