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Start Over Creator Economidis, Panos S.

2. On the life-history of Barbus peloponnesius and Barbus cyclolepis in Macedonia, Greece

Creator:
Vasiliou, Alexandros and Economidis, Panos S.
Type:
article and TEXT
Subject:
Barbus peloponnesius, Barbus cyclolepis, life-history parameters, population structure, growth, mortality, and reproduction
Language:
English
Description:
Life-history parameters of Barbus peloponnesius and Barbus cyclolepis were studied in two streams in Macedonia, Greece. In B. peloponnesius age ranged from 0+ to 4+ in males and 0+ to 9+ in females, while in B. cyclolepis from 0+ to 5+ in males and 0+ to 9+ in females. In both species, after the first year of life, females exhibited longer mean lengths at age and greater maximum length than the males, while between species B. cyclolepis showed greater mean lengths at age and greater maximum length than B. peloponnesius. Total mortality rates were higher in the males of each species than in females. Significant difference in the sex ratio was found only for B. cyclolepis and this species population was male dominated. Gonad maturation began at the age of 1+ in males and 3+ in females of both species. Both species exhibited a protracted multi-spawning season, which started at the end of March-beginning of April and lasted until mid July. Despite differences in growth and body size, the two species are characterized by similar life-history styles: (1) similar age structure, (2) early maturation and same age at maturity, (3) males have a shorter life span, higher rate of mortality, decreased growth and smaller body size and mature earlier than the females and (4) elongated multi-spawning season, which shows a high investment in reproduction. The life-history style of the two stocks seems to be in concordance with the environmental conditions of their habitats, which are typical of the fluctuating Mediterranean streams.
Rights:
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/