PARENT SESSION
Poster Session 19: Biodiversity
Wednesday, August 10, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Exhibit Hall 220 A-E, Level 2, Palais des congrès de Montréal
Fishes of Small Aral Sea (modern conditions).
Mitrofanov, Igor*,1, Mamilov, Nadir2, Galuchshak, Sergey 2, 1 Scientific Society “Tethys”, Almaty, Kazakhstan2 Kazak National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
ABSTRACT- About 1500 specimens of 19 fish species were analyzed from the region of Small Aral Sea in four main locations (Northern shore, Southern shore, Syrdaria river, Kamyshlybash Lake). In the North part we found six species - sand-smelt, flounder (both are numerous), three goby species (round goby, monkey goby, and transcaucasican goby) and one specimen of young sabrefish. There were no significant differences between flounder from three stations in morphological characteristics. Lacustrine and marine groups of sand-smelts differ in some morphological characteristics and growth rate. Average meaning of asymmetry coefficient are not high and similar in sand-smelt and flounder. Several abnormalities of external and inner organ were observed both in sand-smelt and flounder. Environment is good for sand-smelt and flounder. In the South part near to Syrdaria river mouth six native species were sampled: carp, roach, rudd, bream, gold fish, and sander. Flounder and sand-smelt are present here too, but in less amount. Asymmetry coefficients of sander, rudd, bream, and carp were very high - 0.53-0.70. Abnormalities of external (carp) and inner organ (rudd) were observed. This means environment is unfavorable for these species. Maximum fish diversity was determined in the river near to the river mouth - 12 species. Marine species as flounder, sand-smelt, and gobies are not found in the river. No abnormalities in external morphology and/or inner organs were detected in fish from this site. Condition factors and asymmetry coefficients are normal for each species. This means environment is rather good for all species. Species composition in the Kamyshlybash lake differs from one in the river. This lake situates in Syrdaria delta and connects with the river. Seven fish species were found in the lake. The main difference with the river is absence of riverine species such as asp and dace and presence of pike, perch, sand-smelt, and goby. Condition factors and asymmetry coefficients are normal for each species. No abnormalities in external morphology and/or inner organs were detected in fish from Kamyshlybash lake. This means environment is good for all fish species in the lake. There is no doubt, that river and lakes are the natural refugium of all fresh water fishes in the region.
Key words: aral, sea, biodiversity, fish