Colchic nase

biology_ecology

Habitat. Moderate to fast-flowing, large- to medium-sized rivers with rocky or gravel bottoms, also in lakes and reservoirs. Spawns in fast-flowing water on shallow gravel beds, often in small tributaries. Biology. Matures at 3 years. Spawning season depends on altitude and water temperature, peaking in April at 12 – 15 ° C. Females lay 2 – 3 batches of eggs during a spawning season. Feeds on periphyton scraped from hard substrate.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

diagnosis

Diagnosis. Distinguished from other species of Chondrostoma in Aegean, Marmara, and Black Sea basins by: ○ 55 − 69, usually 58 − 64, total lateral-line scales / ○ 6 – 6 or 6 – 5, pharyngeal teeth / ○ 8 − 10 ½, usually 9 ½, branched dorsal rays / ○ 8 − 11 ½, usually 9 ½, branched anal rays / ○ 20 − 30 gill rakers / usually 9, rarely 8, branched pelvic rays / ○ thick cornified sheath covering lower lip. Size up to 300 mm SL.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

discussion

Remarks. Chondrostoma angorense from Sakarya is a synonym, and C. colchicum is very closely related to C. nasus, both may be conspecific.

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

distribution

Distribution. Türkiye: Sakarya east to Çoruh (Türkiye and Georgia) and Black Sea basin from Çoruh north to Novorossiysk (Georgia and Russia).

Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia