Maturation and Fecundity of Barbus cyclolepis from the Stryama River of the Maritsa River Drainage Basin in Bulgaria

Authors : Vasil KOLEV

Pages : 233-240

Doi:10.17216/limnofish.796589

View : 11 | Download : 6

Publication Date : 2021-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :A field-based study of the reproductive aspects of Round-scaled barbel biology took place in the Stryama River, during the autumnal season of the period 2010–2011. This is the first study of the reproduction of this species. A total of 202 Round-scaled barbels were caught by electrofishing. The study found that both sexes reach sexual maturity in their second year. Females became sexually mature, once they reach 94 mm length and 13 g weight. Males became sexually mature once they reach 60 mm length and 12 g weight. Fecundity ranged from 460 to 18.420 eggs. Average fecundity was 6.944 eggs. Absolute fertility was positively correlated with the growth of fish length and mass. Consequently, five years old fish had the highest fertility rate. The average values of relative fecundity were 210 eggs per kilo. The reproductive parameters are an indicator of the growth conditions of the river, as well as the reproductive patterns and state of the fish population. The population parameters, established by this study, now represent a reference point, enabling a monitoring of the species’ population dynamics.
Keywords : Raund scaled barbel, reproductive parameters, fecundity