Description

Distinguished from congeners in Caspian Sea basin by having the following unique characters: 16-21 short and broad gill rakers, without denticles, in large individuals sometimes slightly expanded at tip; maxilla not reaching posterior margin of eye; and bright coloration comprising of 10-30 relatively large (6-7 mm in diameter) carmine red spots above lateral line, small black spots on back, red spots on dorsal, upper caudal lobe, and adipose fins (Ref. 59043).

Common Names

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Salmoniformes

Family: Salmonidae

Genus: Salmo

Species: Salmo ezenami Berg, 1948

Climate Zone

Biology

Inhabits mountain lake (Lake Kezenoi-am) with altitude of 1870 m above sea level, with a maximum depth of 74 m, temperature about 5° C below 20 m and 5-18° C in upper layers in summer, covered by ice in winter, high oxygen concentrations down to bottom throughout the year and low plankton density. This was the only fish inhabiting the lake prior to the introduction of Gobio holurus and Squalius cephalus. Young juveniles feed predominantly on gammarids, chironomid larvae; larger juveniles and adults prey on molluscs, benthic invertebrates and fry; largest individuals are mostly piscivorous, especially since the introduction of Gobio holurus. Spawns in lake, close to underwater springs. Large-sized individuals probably undertake migration to tributaries. Spawning extends over almost entire year. Threatened due to the introduction of Squalius cephalus, which feeds on its fry (Ref. 59043).

Habitat

benthopelagic

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

Threat to Humans

Harmless