Edad y crecimiento de Gobio lozanoi Doadrio & Madeira, 2004 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) en sectores fluviales de la cuenca del río Segura (SE península ibérica).

The paper studies the age structure, back-calculated length and growth rate of Gobio lozanoi populations along the two main river axes of the Segura river basin (Segura and Mundo rivers). These parameters were analyzed from individuals captured in autumn 2009 and throughout 19 sampling locations, and their relationship with environmental variables (altitude, ecological status and conductivity). Populations showed six age classes (0+ to 5+) with few differences between sexes and dominance of intermediate ages (2+ and 3+). The age structure showed significant variations along the gradient with a tendency to narrower ranges of age in lower altitude locations. Growth rates showed a negative relationship with longevity and significant differences among fluvial sectors. The growth rate in the phase of transition to maturity showed a tendency to decrease with the gradient as well as the ecological state diminished and the water conductivity increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]