Chub, Squalius turcicus, as a suitable native species to aquaculture approach (a case study in the Taham lake, Zanjan province)

In this study some biological aspect of Chab (Squalius turcicus) was investigated in the Taham reservoir lake in north of Zanjan. The study of length and weight structure of dominated fish species, the Chab displayed a high length and weight. A number of 251 Chab were studied that the maximum size and weight were measured about 40 cm and 870 g, respectively with average weight 223 ± 204 gr. About 40% of fishes were weighted more than 250 gr which they were ranged as commercial size. The growth model was isometric and the condition factor was varied between 0.74 to 1.85. According to reproduction indices, more than 80% of ovaries were in 3 and 4 of the maturity stages in autumn that can reproduce in next spring. These characteristic and high distribution of species in Iran and special in the Caspian Sea area can be a reason to introduce this species as a candidate for aquaculture purposes. Thus, there is need the additional studies on conservation, breeding and rearing of species for fisheries approches and the sustainable exploitation.