Armenian roach. Red Data Book of Armenia

Carps — Cyprinidae

Status. An endemic species of local distribution and decreasing population. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Endangered EN B1ab(iii)+2ab(III).

Distribution. Does not occur outside of Armenia.

Distribution in Armenia. Distributed in the Metsamor River, associated canals and lakes.

Habitats. Slow flowing waters of rivers and lakes, thickets of aquatic vegetation.

Biological traits. Non–migratory. Maturity is reached at 2 years. Spawning occurs in March–April. Euriphagous.

Population size and its trends. Previously abundant, it formed large schools while spawning. At present, it disappeared from small drainage gutters and lakes that were formed in sandpits. Becomes increasingly rare along the Metsamor River course.

Major threats. Changes in water regime ensuing from uncontrolled water use, water and habitat pollution, deterioration of natural conditions, competitive pressure of alien fish species and poaching.

Conservation measures. Not protected. An object of amateur angling. No artificial breeding was applied.It is essential to recover roach habitats and to set special conservation regime for the population.