Age, growth, and population structure of endemic Telestes karsticus (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae: Leuciscinae) from Sušik Creek, Croatia

Abstract

This study provides the first description of the age, growth, and population structure of the endemic karstic dace, Telestes karsticus Marčić et Mrakovčić, 2011, from Sušik Creek in Croatia. The oldest individual in the sample was a female of age 5+ years and the oldest males were 4+. Females of the karstic dace have a higher maximum standard length than males (122.0 vs. 95.1 mm, respectively). In both sexes, the most numerous length category was 41–50 mm. The most numerous age group of karstic dace was 1+, with a gradual decline in the abundance of older age groups. In larger length categories, males were fewer, while females showed a bimodal distribution with a second maximum in the length category of 81–90 mm. The total ratio of males to females in the sample was 2.8:1, in favor of males.