We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Distribution and Expansion of Alien Fish Species in the Karun River Basin, Iran
Summary
Researchers assessed the distribution of alien fish species across 39 sites in the Karun River Basin, Iran, documenting 10 non-native species among the 39 total species found. The alien species were primarily concentrated in impounded downstream reaches, and environmental analysis linked their distribution to specific habitat conditions. The study highlights the ecological risks of invasive fish introductions in Iranian river systems.
We assessed the distribution of alien fishes in the Karun River Basin, Iran. Fish were collected from 39 sites during the November-December 2018 low-flow period. In total, 39 fish species from nine orders and 14 families were documented. Among these, 10 species were alien to the basin (986 individuals; 15.7%). Four species were the most abundant alien species and primarily in impounded, downstream reaches. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was conducted to identify the extent of changes in alien fish assemblages with environmental parameters. RDA1 and RDA2 accounted for 36.24% and 25.33% of the variation of alien species, respectively. Altitude, depth, electrical conductivity, water temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, and river width were the most significant parameters affecting alien species distributions. We present a dual-pathway cause-and-effect hypothesis proposing that alien fish species presence causes declines in the ecological status of native fish communities. We then explore how human-induced aquatic ecosystem degradation creates opportunities for alien species to invade new ecosystems, further impacting native fish communities. Our study contributes insight into the cause and effect of the presence of alien fish species in the Karun River Basin and emphasizes the urgency of conservation measures to protect this critically endangered watershed.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Indigenous Freshwater Ichthyofauna in the Dhanu River and Surrounding Wetlands of Bangladesh: Species Diversity, Availability, and Conservation Perspectives
Researchers documented 91 indigenous fish species across 29 families in the Dhanu River and surrounding wetlands of Bangladesh, compiling detailed data on habitat preferences, conservation status, population trends, and threats. The study provides a baseline checklist to support freshwater biodiversity conservation in this data-poor region.
Microplastics in aquatic species of Anzali wetland: An important freshwater biodiversity hotspot in Iran
Researchers surveyed microplastic contamination in seven aquatic species from Anzali Wetland in Iran, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot. They found microplastics in the digestive tracts, gills, and skin of all species examined, with herbivorous bottom-dwelling fish showing the highest contamination levels. The findings raise concerns about the widespread penetration of microplastics into freshwater food webs at ecologically sensitive sites.
Microplastics abundance, distribution and composition in surface waters, sediments and fish species from Amir˗Kalayeh Wetland, Northern Iran
This study examined microplastic pollution in surface waters, sediments, and fish species from Amir-Kalayeh Wetland in Northern Iran. Researchers found microplastics across all sampled compartments, with varying abundance and composition, highlighting that wetland ecosystems are also susceptible to widespread microplastic contamination.
Non-Indigenous Freshwater Fishes as Indicators of Ecological Quality in Running Waters
Not relevant to microplastics — this study examines how invasive freshwater fish species in Greece correlate with ecological quality assessments under the EU Water Framework Directive, with no connection to microplastic pollution.
Biodiversity, distributions and isolation of microplastics pollution in finfish species in the Panjkora River at Lower and Upper Dir districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan
Researchers documented fish biodiversity and microplastic pollution across 10 sites in the Panjkora River, Pakistan, collecting 724 fish specimens representing 18 species across 5 families and characterizing microplastic contamination in fish tissues, with Cyprinidae dominating the community and microplastics detected throughout the sampling area.