Biology of carpione, Salmo carpio L., an endemic species of Lake Garda (Italy)

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Abstract
Biological and ecological aspects of Lake Garda carpione, Salmo carpio L., are reported. This study reports lower catches and it is suggested that fewer carpione are now in this lake. Opercula and scales have been used for ageing fish and determining the growth rates. Life expectancy does not exceed five winters. Males became sexually active at 2 years (=winters) of age and females at 3 years of age, however, full spawning capability is achieved only in the following year. Our data confirm that carpione have two spawning seasons: winter (a long period) and summer (a shorter one). Carpione are not exclusively planktivorous but adapt their feeding habits to the environment and change the manner and time of their feeding.