Remarks on biology of Varicorhinus capoeta sevangi (Cyprinidae) from Lake Sevan

Abstract

Varicorhinus capoeta is a cyprinid species widespread in Middle Asia. In Armenia about three subspecies are recognized and one, V. c. sevangi is endemic of Lake Sevan. The habits of this taxon in the lake are analysed and compared with these of others subspecies known from Middle Asia. Females in lake Sevan reach sexual maturity at age 7+ while in others basins maturity is reached at about age 3+ or 4+. Males in this lake reach sexual maturity at ages 3+ (one year later than other subspecies). Geographic isolation and characteristic features of the ecosystem of Lake Sevan (i.e., high altitude and low temperatures) probably affected the evolution of biological features and morphological differentiation of V. c. sevangi from other representatives of the genus Varicorbinus in Armenia.

Key words:

• Cyprinidae
• Varicorhinus capoeta sevangi
• Armenia
• Habitat
• Sexual maturity
• Age classes