Journal of Natural Environment

Investigation of the habitat preference of two sympatric species,Oxynoemacheilus kiabii and Oxynoemacheilus karunensis from Alk River (Karkheh basin)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

2 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran.

10.22059/jne.2024.371910.2647

Abstract

Models based on regression analyzes are used to express patterns of abundance and distribution of fish populations in relation to environmental parameters. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the habitat suitability indices of Oxynoemacheilus kiabii and O. karunensis from Alk River (sub-basin of Razavar and Karkheh basin). Sampling was done using a hand net in eight stations (each with three replicates). Five habitat variables were measured and recorded, including river width, river depth, bed slope, water velocity, and average bed size. The results showed that the most habitat preference of Kiabi loach is depth in the range of 46-<52 cm, 0.6-<0.9 m width, 5.8-<6.4% slope, and water velocity 0.52-<0.58 m/s and the size of bedrock is 0-<0.12 mm and for O. karunensis was calculated as depth in the range of 10-<16 cm, 2.1-<2.4 m width, 1.6-<2.2% slope, and water velocity 0.34-<4 m/s and the size of bedrock is 48-<60 mm. Also, the highest and lowest SI values for both species O. kiabii and O. karunensis were related to depth and average bed size for O. kiabii and velocity and depth for O. karunensis, respectively. The results showed that Alk River is a suitable habitat for O. karunensis, whereas not suitable habitat for O. kiabii. Examination of the results of their feeding habits and preferences in the digestive system showed that these favorite of fishes are Chironomidae, Simulidae, Baetidae, Gomphidae and Hydropsychidae.

Keywords

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Journal of Natural Environment
Volume 77, Ecology and Biodiversity Management
July 2024
Pages 213-222