Sevan trout
Extinct endemic salmonid of Lake Sevan in Armenia
The Sevan trout was a unique salmonid fish found only in Lake Sevan, Armenia. It is now considered extinct in the wild due to introduced competitors and water level changes, though hatcheries still rear some strains.
- Endemic to Lake Sevan in Armenia
- Largest strain reached 90 cm and 15 kg
- Commercial fishing banned in 1976
- Extinct in wild due to introduced species
- Successfully introduced to Issyk Kul lake
What it is
The Sevan trout is a salmonid fish closely related to the brown trout. It was endemic to Lake Sevan in Armenia. The species comprised four distinct strains that varied in size, growth rate, and breeding habits. The largest form, known as winter bakhtak, could reach 90 cm in length and weigh up to 15 kg. Other forms were significantly smaller, with the dwarf bojak strain not exceeding 33 cm.
Where it lives
This fish lived exclusively in Lake Sevan and its inflowing rivers in Armenia. Water level regulation in the lake disrupted natural reproduction cycles. While extinct in its native habitat, the species was successfully introduced to Issyk Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan. The changing water levels proved destructive to the spawning grounds required by the migratory strains.
How it lives
Different strains exhibited varied behaviours. The gegharkuni form was migratory, feeding on plankton and benthos while breeding in rivers. The winter bakhtak bred within the lake itself. The summer bakhtak used both river mouths and the lake for spawning. The bojak strain remained small and bred in the lake during winter. Historical DNA studies showed little genetic difference between these forms.
Breeding and life cycle
Breeding patterns defined the four strains. Winter bakhtak spawned in the lake. Summer bakhtak used rivers and lake margins. Gegharkuni migrated strictly into rivers to spawn. Bojak bred in the lake during winter. Hatcheries now propagate the summer bakhtak and gegharkuni strains, as natural reproduction has largely failed due to environmental changes.
Fish and people
Locally called ishkhan, this fish was a significant food source. Commercial fishing was banned in 1976 by the Council of Ministers to protect the declining population. This resolution also helped establish Sevan National Park. Today, hatcheries rear the remaining strains. The fish holds cultural importance as a unique endemic species of Armenia.
Status and threats
The Sevan trout is considered extinct in Lake Sevan. Introduced competitors like common whitefish, goldfish, and narrow-clawed crayfish contributed to its decline. Lowering lake levels further damaged reproductive habitats. While the winter bakhtak and bojak may be gone from the lake, hatcheries maintain other strains. The species survives in Issyk Kul, Kyrgyzstan.
Questions people ask about Sevan trout
Is the Sevan trout still found in Lake Sevan?
No, the Sevan trout is considered extinct in Lake Sevan. The winter bakhtak and bojak strains are likely gone from the lake. Hatcheries currently rear the summer bakhtak and gegharkuni strains to preserve them.
Why did the Sevan trout become extinct in its native lake?
Its decline was caused by introduced competitors such as common whitefish, goldfish, and crayfish. Additionally, regulation of the lake water level destroyed the natural breeding grounds required for reproduction.
Are there any Sevan trout left in the world?
Yes, the species was successfully introduced to Issyk Kul lake in Kyrgyzstan. Also, hatcheries in Armenia continue to rear the summer bakhtak and gegharkuni strains for conservation purposes.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Sevan trout", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryFish rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and figures change over time. Nothing here is investment or buying advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-11-15.
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