COMPOSITION AND STATE OF ICHTHYOFAUNA OF SMALL RIVERS OF THE DZHUNGAR ALATAU (ALAKOL BASIN) BY THE EXAMPLE OF SHYNZHYLY RIVER

Abstract

Until now, the species composition and state of the ichthyofauna of small rivers in the Alakol basin have not been sufficiently studied. Such rivers are characterized by rapid changes in ecosystems, their ichthyofauna is most sensitive to the action of various anthropogenic and natural factors. It was found that in 2015-2017 and 2020 ichthyofauna composition of the Shynzhyly River experienced dramatic changes. Based on the studies carried out in the ichthyofauna of the Shynzhyly River, 9 species of fish were found belonging to 2 families of the order carp: naked osman Gymnodiptychus dybowskii (Kessler, 1874), Balkhash marinka Schizothorax argentatus (Kessler, 1874), Balkhash minnow Rhynchocypris poljakowii  (Kessler, 1879), spotted stone loach Triplophysa strauchii (Kessler, 1874), plain thicklip loach Triplophysa labiata (Kessler, 1874),   Tibetan stone loach Tryplophysa stoliczkai (Steindachner, 1866), Sewertzov’s stone loach Triplophysa sewerzowii (G. Nikolsky, 1938), freshwater bream Abramis brama orientalis (Berg, 1949) and stone moroko Pseudorasbora parva (Temminck et Schlegel, 1846). The fish community mainly consisted of native species. The most numerous were the naked osman, the Balkhash marinka, and the spotted stone loach. Thus, the Shynzhyly River is a reserve of aboriginal ichthyofauna and an important reproduction site for the Balkhash marinka and naked osman. Key words: Shynzhyly River, fish fauna, indigenous, alien, species composition, numbers.