LIFE HISTORY STRATEGIES OF FISH: PATTERNS IN GROWTH AND LIFESPAN OF RUDD SCARDINIUS ERYTHROPHTHALMUS (L.) IN EUROPE

Abstract

Variation in life history strategies of rudd Scardinius erythrophthalmus (L.) in Europe was evaluated based on published sources. The growth and lifespan were analysed as the main variables in life strategies of any fish. The results revealed that total length (TL) at age 1 year was correlated with latitude and faster growth during the first growing season leads to a shorter lifespan in Europe. Variation in length at age 1 year was more pronounced in southern (40-46 degrees N: mean TL = 84.6 mm, SD = 27.2, n = 9) than in northern populations (49-61 degrees N: mean TL = 46.4 mm, SD = 4.2, n = 10). Thus, rudd can show different life history strategies in southern populations whereas in northern populations these options are few.