Fish fauna of Bakırçay Stream (North Eagean, Turkey)

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the current fish fauna of Bakırçay River in seasonal periods between 2017 and 2018. Sampling was carried out in 15 different locations, 11 lotic and 4 lentic location from the small streams of source of the river to the downstream region. The sampling was performed with “Samus 725 G” model electroshock in lotic habitats; with standard fishing-nets which was “TS EN 14757 Water Quality” in lentic habitats. As a result of the study, the presence of 17 taxa from 7 families including Anguillidae, Atherinidae, Cobitidae, Cyprinidae, Nemacheilidae, Poecilidae and Gobiidae were determined. Mugilidae family members and Salaria pavo species, which were previously reported within the stream, were not obtained in our study. However, the presence of 6 species, namely Atherina boyeri, Cyprinus carpio, Carassius gibelio, Oxynemacheilus teophili, Gambusia holbrooki and Knipowitschia caucasica species were found in this study for the first time. Cyprinidae family with 11 taxa was the biggest family in terms of species diversity in the river basin. Anguillidae, Atherinidae, Cobitidae, Nemacheilidae, Poecilidae and Gobiidae families are represented by one taxon. In order to protect the river's biodiversity and to maintain fishing activities effectively, the pollution sources should be overcomed firstly. In order to protect the biodiversity of the river and to maintain fishing activities effectively, first of all, pollution sources and exotic fish species that may have negative effects on the natural fish fauna of the basin should be bring under control. In addition, it will also be useful to organize events to inform local governments and community about the importance and protection of aquatic environments.