Species · GBIF taxon 2351560
Kezenoi-am Trout
Salmo ezenamiAlso known as Kezenoyam Trout, Eisenam Trout
Kezenoi-am trout are specialized coldwater fish restricted to a single high-altitude lake in the North Caucasus mountains. They historically evolved into two distinct morphs, including a small form feeding on deep-water invertebrates and a massive predatory form occupying shallow zones. Introduction of European perch and environmental shifts have driven this relict salmonid to the brink of extinction.
EndemicAlpine LakeRare
Licensed referencePierre Dalous / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Critically EndangeredConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXCritically EndangeredRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Gammarids
- Zooplankton
- Small Fish
Predators
- European Perch
ThreatsInvasive European perch, habitat degradation, restricted range
HabitatsDeep high-altitude alpine lake waters
Life span8–12 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySalmonidae
- SpeciesSalmo ezenami
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for a sleek salmonid body with dark spots along silvery or olive-brown flanks, unique to Lake Kezenoi-Am.
- Support conservation
- Do not attempt to catch or handle wild individuals, and observe lake shorelines with minimal disruption.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look into clear lake margins to spot fish near the shore.
- Protection: Avoid disturbing shoreline areas where spawning beds may exist.
Competitor (c) Gilles San Martin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) kirk gardner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by kirk gardner · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Dmitry Ivanov, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Dmitry Ivanov · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Albinfo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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