Growth and reproduction of chub (Squalius cephalus) in Lake Yeniçağa, Bolu, Turkey

Abstract

Growth and reproduction of chub population were investigated in Lake Yeniçaga, Bolu, Turkey. A total of 729 chub were sampled between March 2009 and July 2010. The age of sampled chub ranged from 1+ to 8+. According to the sex ratios of female and male (2.98:1.00), female was dominant in this population. For all individuals, von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L∞ = 36.88 cm, W∞ = 713.01 g, k = 0.248, t0 = -1.278 and b = 3.109. The average condition factor (CF) was 1.48. The lengths at first sexual maturity of female and male chub were 19.2 cm and 15.3 cm respectively. Reproduction period was between the months April to July, egg diameter 1.29 mm and average egg yield were determined to be 25349 unit/individual. The minimum landing size and prohibition season of fishing of chub, which was regulated by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock were compatible with this study.