Age, growth and reproductive characteristics of chub

In this study, the population structure, growth and reproduc-tion characteristics of 414 chub (Leuciscus cephalus L., 1758) from the _Ikizcetepeler dam lake were investigated monthly between January and December 2000. Age groups ranged between I and VI for this species in the reservoir, with the second and third year-classes dominating. Sex ratio was 1: 1.4 (M: F), corresponding to 58.4 % males and 41.6 % females. Females attained greater size and age than males. The largest female captured was 24.8 cm FL, the largest male was 24.1 cm FL, both age VI. The von Bertalanffy growth equations and length–weight relationships were found as: Lt 28.89[1) e)0.224(t+1.55)] for females, Lt 26.71[1) e)0.259(t+1.55)] for males; Wt 347.386[1)e)0.224h (t+1.55)]2.86 for females, Wt 286.48[1)e)0.259 (t+1.55)]2.92 for males; W 0.0227 · L2.87 for females and W 0.0194 · L2.92 for males. Significant statis-tical differences in condition factors between age classes and sexes were not found (P> 0.05, t-test). Spawning period of this species in the lake was between April and May