LENGTH-WEIGHT RELATIONSHIP AND CONDITION FACTOR OF THE ENDANGERED AND ENDEMIC PRESPA TROUT (SALMO PERISTERICUS KARAMAN, 1938) FROM LEVA RIVER, |KRANSKA RIVER AND BRAJČINSKA RIVER

Abstract

Prespa trout is a known mountain resident to four tributaries of Prespa Lake in a small area of the Prespa region. Facing threat of extinction, the endemic Prespa trout was categorized as an endangered species. The goal of this paper is to provide information on the condition factor and the L-W relationship with non-lethal research techniques. Electrofishing was conducted on a total of 27 sampling points on Leva, Kranska and Braj􏲎inska rivers. The results showed that Prespa trout have long and slender bodies with low weight value. The condition factor of Prespa L-W as a relationship between weight and length, is used for the growth pattern estimation and condition index, in order to enrich conservation studies and aid management decision makers at national level. L-W relationship and condition factor are closely related and useful for evaluation of fish populations.