Growth pattern of the endemic Neretvan roach, Rutilus basak (Heckel, 1843) in the Hutovo Blato wetlands

• Published in: Journal of applied ichthyology Vol. 27; no. 3; pp. 813 - 819
• Main Authors: Matić-Skoko, S., Tutman, P., Dulčić, J., Prusina, I., Đođo, Ž., Pavličević, J., Glamuzina, B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.06.2011; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Freshwater; Rutilus; Rutilus basak; Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hutoro Blato Wetlands
• ISSN: 0175-8659; 1439-0426
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0426.2010.01593.x

Summary The growth pattern of the endemic Neretvan roach, Rutilus basak from the Hutovo Blato wetlands was analyzed. A total of 441 specimens ranging from 6.0 to 21.7 cm TL were obtained by electro fishing between December 2007 and November 2008. The male:female ratio for all fish combined was 0.34 : 1.00 but changed across length classes. The spawning period extended from February to April, with a peak in the first half of March. Maximum observed age was 10 years. Predominance of age classes 1–5 in the catch (77.0% of individuals) was noted. The length–weight relationship showed a positive allometric growth (b = 3.321; R2 = 0.957). Parameters of the von Bertalanffy equation were: L∞ = 20.201 cm; K = 0.257 per year; t0 = −1.554 year; R2 = 0.977. This study revealed that R. basak invests energy in reproduction rather than in body size and thus has a relatively fast growth, short life span and precocious maturity. Moreover, elementary biological population parameters are provided that can be used for conservation purposes.