Reproductive biology of the endemic and threatened Menderes Nase, Chondrostoma meandrense Elvira, 1987, in Western Anatolia (Osteichthyes: Cyprinidae)

Maturity age, spawning time and fecundity of the Menderes Nase, Chondrostoma meandrense Elvira, 1987 were determined at Kemer Reservoir, an artificial waterbody in Western Anatolia, between January and December 2006. Males and females become mature on average at 10.6 and 11.9 cm FL and at age class 1. Spawning occurs between March and May. The number of eggs ranges from 6,800 to 13,800 and the average egg diameter is 1.14 +/- 0.53 mm (range: 0.75-1.79 mm). The female gonadosomatic index peaked in March.