Caspian kutum (Rutilus kutum): a suitable option for culture-based fishery in dam reservoir (Case study of Khandaghlo dam reservoir, Zanjan province)

In order to investigate the status of Caspian Sea kutum ( Rutilus kutum) released to Khandaghlou dam reservoir in Zanjan province, a sample of fish fauna was carried out for one year. The Caspian Sea kutum was introduced to this reservoir in 2003 ( It is not clear that it was deliberate or accidental ). The results showed that the mean length of Caspian kutum caught in the Khandaghlou dam reservoir was 42.1 ± 3.1 cm with a minimum and maximum length of 38 and 46 cm, respectively. The average weight of this fish was 297 ± 1120 grams with a minimum and maximum weight of 667 and 1400 grams respectively. In the samples, the age range of this species was 3 and 5 years old, and the 4-year-old fish had comprised 67% of the catch (n= 6). In examining the contents of the stomach of caught fish there was a large amount of the shrimp of the lake (Macrobrachium niponnes) which was confirmed by Professor De Greev in samples transmitted to the London Zoology Museum. Also, the female gonads were in the fourth stage of sexual maturity. It seems that due to the high adaptability of Caspian Sea kutum, this species can be identified as one of the most suitable options for the aquaculture industry and culture-based fishery in dam reservoirs in the country.