Growth and life history traits of Aegean chub, Squalius fellowesii (Gunther, 1868) in streams in Mugla Province, Aegean coast, Turkey

Abstract

To aid in species' conservation, the aim of this study was to provide initial findings on age, growth and reproduction of an endemic species, Aegean chub Squalius fellowesii (Gunther, 1868) populations from streams in the Aegean region of Mugla Province, Turkey. The species is relatively short-lived (maximum 6 years), attaining a size of about 200 mm total length with a rapid growth to first maturity (approximate to 60 mm TL), and relatively little growth thereafter. The male: female ratio was 1.0 : 0.6, males significantly outnumbering females in the majority of the streams. General condition values of individual fish varied between 2.9 and 3.4. Sexual maturity was usually achieved later and at larger sizes in females than in males. Sexual maturation in most populations was at the age of 2 years in females and 1 year in males. The species spawns between early April and late May. Mean absolute and relative fecundity were about 4440 eggs and 57 eggs.g(-1), respectively. Mean egg diameter was 1.00 +/- 0.03 mm, ranging from 0.70 to 1.20 mm. Suggestions for the conservation of Aegean chub are discussed.