A biological investigation into anchovy kilka (Clupeonella engrauliformis) in Anzali fishing ground, in 1993

In the recent years the Kilka fishing in Iranian coastal waters boosted rapidly. The rich stock of Kilka has provided the possibility of apt exploitation. Among the three Kilka species, dwelling in the Caspian Sea, 90% of Iran's catch consists of Clupeonella engrauliformis. Analyses of Data show that the sex ratio varies widely with the change of season. In autumn the spawning reaches to the peak and the female population declines in catching. The oil fat content and intensity of feeding in both sexes did not reveal significant differences. Average size range is 194.91mm in summer und 97.97mm in winter. Length frequency in both sexes varies from 100 to 110mm, but the female size range changes are wider. Mean weight of Anchovy Kilka is 7.84g in spring and 5.92g in winter. The research also shows that in winter large size Kilka are distributed at the deepest area of the sea. Therefore, it is suggested that to catch the Kilka, fishing operation should be done at deeper depth......