Biology

Occurs in fresh and brackish waters with salinity up to 13 ppt. Maximum depth 50 m, with mature adults at 1-11 m. Lives for about a year, spawns in May-August in northern Caspian, April-November in eastern Caspian. Some individuals may spawn for the first time at 6-7 months. Females probably lay eggs in 3 portions and die after spawning while males probably die 3-4 weeks alter (Ref.59043).