Study of Fecundity of Shemaya (Shah-Koolee) [Chalcalburnus chalcoides (Guldenstadt, 1772)] in the Sefidrood River

Fecundity of Shah-Koolee in the Sefidrood river, which is one of the economic and popular fishes in northern part of Iran, was studied. From April to August 2000, 539 Shah-Koolee fishes were caught at the specific station in the Sefidrood river from the sea shore to Kisum. Seventy one samples of unspawned fishes were taken, the primary biometry was performed, specimens of the different parts of the ovary were prepared and absolute fecundity was determined through gravimetry. Maximum and minimum fecundity rates were 18860 and 2929 eggs, respectively, that related to eight- and three- years old fishes. Relative fecundity was 132±37 and 72 eggs per gram of weight. The relationship between absolute fecundity and length and weight was linear, correlation and numerical quantities of a, b and r were calculated and regression graph was drawn. Gonado Somatic Index (G.S.I.) was used to determine the natural spawning region and calssification was done on the basis of two factors, age and station. It was found that three- years old fishes with a regeneration power of 17.05 in comparison with other age groups had higher potential. This index also showed that Astaneh and Kisum stations were favorable places for natural spawning of these fishes.