Growth and reproduction of a stream population of Cobitis turcica in central Anatolia ( Turkey)

Cobitis turcica is endemic to Anatolia, and being of a bottom-dwelling nature is highly influenced by habitat degradation. Due to drought and water pollution, in 2006 this species was included in the IUCN Red List as endangered. Therefore in order to develop conservation strategies, knowledge of its life history traits is important. The study presents first time data on the basic life history traits of C.turcica captured in a small stream flowing from Pnarba Springs to Kozanl Gok Lake in central Anatolia. In total, 1356 specimens were caught between March 2003 and August 2004. The overall sex ratio (M:F) was 1:0.62. Longevity in females, which reaches a maximum age of 6+, is 1year longer than for males. Females are longer and heavier than males of the same age group. Maximum observed total lengths were 103.6mm in a 5+ year-old male and 126.75mm in a 6+ year-old female. Length-weight relationships were calculated for males, females, and juveniles, with the b exponent of the relationships as 2.9068, 2.8326, and 3.6859, respectively. Spawning was fractional, beginning in April and continuing until the end of July. Mean total fecundity was 2238 at age 5+.