Kutum
📖 Overview
A semi-anadromous species which occurs in large brackish estuaries and their large, freshened plume waters, coastal lakes connected to rivers and lowland stretches of large rivers. Can tolerate salinities up to 7-12 ppt. Landlocked populations live in lakes or reservoirs. Larvae and early juveniles take zooplankton, algae and insect larvae as food while adults feed on molluscs, Rhithropanopeus crabs and other benthic invertebrates. Feeding ceases while migrating, spawning and overwintering. Breeds in small rivers or streams with heavy current on gravel bottom. Begins migration to rivers in second half of October (Black Sea, rarely in Caspian Sea). When rivers are covered with ice, spawning migration stops and continues when ice breaks up or even under ice in February-April. Spawns in April-May. Adults migrate back to estuaries to forage immediately after spawning. Juveniles move to estuaries during first summer in August. Landlocked populations undertake migration in springs from lakes or reservoirs or middle stretches of rivers to tributaries or upper reaches .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 12; Anal soft rays: 12 - 14. Can be diagnosed from its congeners in Black and Caspian Sea basins by having the following characters: body almost cylindrical, depth 19-26% SL; 53-64 + 3 scales on lateral line; abdomen posterior to pelvic rounded; snout rounded, stout; mouth subterminal; dorsal fin with 9-10½ branched rays; iris and fins grey or slightly yellowish; breeding males with large, scattered tubercles on top and side of head .: fusiform / normal; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Kutum is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Lays eggs which adhere to rocks and gravel, rarely on submerged plants. Eggs hatch in 10-16 days at 12-19°C .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; depth range 50 - ? m. Temperate; 56°N - 36°N, 22°E - 54°E
🌿 Ecology
molluscs, Rhithropanopeus crabs and other benthic invertebrates
📐 Morphometrics
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Kutum is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 709 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Kutum has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | (Caspian) Kutum · Black Sea Roach · Vyrezub · kutum |
| 🌍BUL | Лупавец |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Sortehavsskalle |
| 🇩🇪German | Schwarzmeerplötze |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | Mustanmerensärki |
| 🌍LIT | pietinė kuoja |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Wyrozub |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Вырезуб обыкновенный · Куту́м · вырезуб |
| 🌍TUR | levkit balığı |
| 🌍UKR | Вирезуб · Вирезуб причорноморський · Вирозуб · Вирізуб звичайний |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprinus wiresuba | Güldenstädt | 1791 | Heterotypic |
| Gardonas wyrozub | Walecki | 1863 | Synonym |
| Gardonus wyrozub | Walecki | 1863 | Synonym |
| Leuciscus frisii | Nordmann | 1840 | Homotypic |
| Leuciscus frisii caspius | Lönnberg | 1900 | Heterotypic |
| Rutilus frisii frisii | Nordmann | 1840 | Synonym |
| Rutilus frisii velecensis | Chichkoff | 1932 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Kutum.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 7 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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