Study on reproductive investment of common kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris) in the south caspian sea (Bandar Anzali)

The pattern of energy allocation to reproduction is varies among the fish species due to their differences in size، habitat، feeding and reproduction strategy. The objective of this study was to analyse the reproductive energy allocation of common kilka on the Anzali coast in the province of Guilan، Iran. A total number of 202 common kilka [10. 46 ± 0. 09 cm (mean ± SE)] were caught in three reproductive states; pre-spawning، spawning، and post-spawning from February to September 2011. The energy content of muscle and ovary were investigated. Additionally، although common kilka allocated high energy to reproduction، However، first and second time spawners showed similar energy allocation to reproduction in the spawning season.