Study of habitat preferences of Kura barbel (Barbus lacerta; Heckel, 1843) in Kesilian River, Mazandaran Province, Iran

Document Type : scientific research article

Authors

1 Corresponding Author, Ph.D. Aquaculture Production and Exploitation, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran. E-mail: sheikhmahin66@gmail.com

2 Associate Prof., Dept. of Fisheries, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran

3 . Assistant Prof., Dept. of Biodiversity Ecosystem Management, Institute of Environmental Science, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.

4 Assistant Prof., Dept. of Fisheries, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran

5 Associate Prof., Dept. of Fisheries Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Iran

6 Professor, Dept. of Biodiversity, Boko University, Vienna, Austria

Abstract

The Environmental variables are considered as important factors determining habitat preference and selection by fishes in the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, it seems essential to know the habitat requirements of inhabiting species. This study in summer on Kesilian River, one of the considerable sub-basins of the Talar River in the north of country, was selected to investigate the habitat preferences of Kora Barbel (Barbus lacerta) at various ages. According to the diverse habitat characteristics, three sites were selected on the stream, and then samplings were carried out at 211 points using an electroshocker. At each point, environmental parameters including speed, depth, and type of biotic and abiotic substrate were measured and determined. The results showed that this species has different habitat preferences at different ages. General preferences of this species took place in the speed range of 15-76 cm/s and the depth of 45-75 cm. Preference for abiotic and biotic parameters of substrates included "block", "cubble" and coarse and fine particulates organic matter, wood and living parts of terrestrial plants, respectively. Regression logistic indicated that the variables including velocity and abiotic parameters of substrate are the most important factors in presence of this species in the stream. In general, the diverse environmental conditions of the stream have provided different habitat preferences for this species at different ages.

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References

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Journal of Utilization and Cultivation of Aquatics
Volume 12, Issue 4
January 2024
Pages 107-121

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