New data on distribution of three invasive freshwater fish species in İstanbul (Turkey)

Abstract

This paper provides new contributions for known distribution areas of invasive Carassius gibelio (Bloch, 1782), Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859 and Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758) in İstanbul. To determine the present expansion of these freshwater species, fish surveys were conducted in 78 stations by using portable electroshocker and gillnet between April and August, 2016. Carassius gibelio, G. holbrooki and L. gibbosus were captured from 14 stations included and, as a result of comparison with current literature C. gibelio was new recorded for Kula Stream, Sinekli Pond, Çakıl Pond, Çayırdere Pond, Büyükkokmuş Pond, Küçükkokmuş Pond and Sungurlu Stream, G. holbrooki for Kurfallı Stream, İzzettin Stream, Büyükkokmuş Pond, Küçükkokmuş Pond, Çilingoz Stream and Sinekli Pond, and L. gibbosus for Değirmenköy Pond. While C. gibelio and G. holbrooki were previously recorded from İstanbul, this is the first report in a new locality of L. gibbosus in the city.