Spawning behaviour of lake charr, Salvelinus umbla, in an Alpine Austrian stream: evolutionary insights

Abstract

Underwater cameras were used to record and describe, for the first time, the spawning behaviour of the lake charr (Salvelinus umbla) in an Alpine stream (Oberer Lunzer Seebach, Austria). The results were then compared with other Salvelinus species reported in the literature. Unlike other Salvelinus species, lake charr females do not perform the typical undulating behaviour intended to ventilate and distribute eggs over gravel crevices after the spawning act. This behavioural distinction reveals a different evolutionary history and supports the lake charr being conferred a species status. The Salvelinus species’ unique mode of spawning is discussed within an evolutionary framework.