Asp — Aspius aspius Eichwald: Red Data Book of Armenia

Carps — Cyprinidae

Status. A rare species of limited distribution and decreasing population. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1ab(iii).

Distribution. Distributed in the Kura and Arax river basins and the Caspian Sea.

Distribution in Armenia. Occurs in the Arax, Akhurian, Vorotan and Metsamor rivers. The lacustrine form established previously in the Lake Arpi had vanished after damming.

Habitats. Middle and pelagic strata in rapid rivers.

Biological traits. A non–migratory active predator preying mainly upon small fry. Maturity is reached at 5–6 years under the body length 45 cm and the body mass 2.5 kg. Spawning occurs in March–April when water temperature reaches 12–14oC.

Population size and its trends. Previously, it was a widespread species. Construction of hydrotechnical facilities on the most powerful rivers has led to population decline and range shrinkage. At present, it occurs only randomly in spring in the junction sites of the Arax River and its tributaries.

Major threats. Changes in water regime ensuing from uncontrolled water use, pollution, deterioration of natural conditions and poaching present the principal threats to this species.

Conservation measures. Not protected. An object of amateur angling. No artificial breeding was applied. Hydrotechnical facilities should contain fish ladders and purification equipment. It is essential to set stringent conservation measures within all habitats of this species.