Age, growth and reproduction of the cyprinid Rutilus lemmingii (Steindachner, 1866) in the River Huebra, Central Spain |
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Authors: | J. C. Velasco,P. A. Rincó n,&dagger &Dagger J. Lobó n-Cerviá ,§ |
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Affiliation: | Department of Animal Biology and Parasitology, University of Salamanca, 37071 Salamanca, Spain;Department of Vertebrate Zoology, National Museum of Natural Sciences, CSIC, JoséGutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain |
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Abstract: | Age, growth and reproduction of the R. lemmingii population of the River Huebra, Duero basin are analysed. Females dominated older age classes and lived up to 6 years (5+) while males only reached 5 years (4+). The growing season extended from April to September; growth rates were similar for both sexes. 0+ fish condition increased during their first summer and spring. In older fish, condition cycle was related to gonad development and showed some differences between sexes. The number of females reaching maturity at age 1 + almost doubled that of males; females also matured at smaller size. Both fecundity and egg size increased with female length: mean egg counts varied between 974 for 1 + individuals and an estimated 10491 for 5+ fish. Eggs were produced as a single batch, but were released fractionally during April and May. |
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Keywords: | Rutilus lemmingii age growth reproduction Spain |
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