Abstract
Catch analyses indicate increases in Mirogrex standing stock (exploited phase) from < 2000 tonnes in the early 1950's to > 12000 tonnes in the mid-1980's and a declining abundance after 1986. Brood strength is related to concentrations of influxed organic matter which provide larval food.
Estimated von Bertalanffy growth parameters (L ∞ = 164 mm TL, K = 0.25 per yr for males; L ∞ = 198 mm, K = 0.14 for females) denote a low production/biomass ratio compared to temperate cyprinid populations, and a low rate of food consumption. From estimates of zooplankton production in recent years, an average predation of < 3 % fish weight/day is calculated. The decline in zooplankton biomass since 1970 is attributed to overgrazing by Mirogrex at high stock levels. At a lower biomass, the fish population can promote ecosystem stability.
Mortality estimates from Mirogrex size distribution in a period of low exploitation were ∼ 1.5 times K-values for both males and females. Similar M/K ratios were estimated for two unexploited cyprinid stocks (Phoxinus phoxinus and Acanthobrama lissneri).
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Landau, R. Mirogrex terraesanctae (Cyprinidae) of Lake Kinneret: biomass changes in relation to inflow; growth rate in relation to fish/zooplankton interaction. Hydrobiologia 218, 1–14 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00006413
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00006413