Variation in Life History Characteristics of Common Bream ( <i>Abramis brama</i> ) Populations in Sweden

ABSTRACT Knowledge of life history characteristics is important for fisheries management and monitoring of ecosystem integrity. This study examines life history characteristics of common bream ( Abramis brama ) from Swedish Baltic Sea coastal areas, two larger lakes and five smaller lakes in Sweden. Length–weight parameters, growth (length‐at‐age) and length at maturity indicated system specific characteristics. Across population averages for length–weight parameters were α = 0.109 and β = 3.145. Age was determined using otoliths and individuals ≥ 19 years old were found in all systems, with the oldest individual at 49 years from the northernmost Baltic Sea. Asymptotic total length ( L ∞ ) was estimated at 54.2 cm as a global average, but it varied more across systems than across growth models. Length at 50% maturity ( L 50 ) was larger than anticipated, ranging 43–47 cm across systems. The apparently late maturation needs to be verified by sampling during a larger part of the year to see gonad development, including post‐spawning regeneration and the potential prevalence of skipped spawning. For these high latitude populations, we found generally older ages, slower growth and later maturity compared to more southern distributed populations. This study provides essential baseline biological knowledge important for ecological understanding and management of the common bream at higher latitudes and highlights how bream life history characteristics can vary across systems.