Diversity and Length-Weight relationships of Blenniid Species (Actinopterygii, Blenniidae) from Mediterranean Brackish Waters in Turkey

Abstract

This study aims to determine the species composition and range of Mediterranean Blennies (Actinopterygii, Blenniidae) occurring in river estuaries and lagoon systems of the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, and to characterise the length–weight relationship of the specimens. A total of 15 sites were surveyed from November 2014 to June 2017. A total of 210 individuals representing 3 fish species (Rusty blenny-Parablennius sanguinolentus, Freshwater blenny-Salaria fluviatilis and Peacock blenny-Salaria pavo) were sampled from five (Besgoz Creek Estuary, Manavgat River Estuary, Karpuzcay Creek Estuary, Koycegiz Lagoon Lake and Beymelek Lagoon Lake) of the localities investigated. The high juvenile densities of S. fluviatilis in Karpuzcay Creek Estuary and P. sanguinolentus in Besgoz Creek Estuary were observed. Various threat factors were observed in five different native habitats of Blenny species. The threats on the habitat and the population of the species include the introduction of exotic species, water pollution, and more importantly, the destruction of habitats. Five non-indigenous species (Prussian carp-Carassius gibelio, Eastern mosquitofish-Gambusia holbrooki, Redbelly tilapia-Coptodon zillii, Stone moroko-Pseudorasbora parva and Rainbow trout-Oncorhynchus mykiss) were observed in the sampling sites. In addition to these freshwater species, several lessepsian species (Keeled mullet-Liza carinata, Por's goatfish-Upeneus pori, Goldband goatfish-Upeneus moluccensis, Marbled spinefoot-Siganus rivulatus, Sillago suezensis and Yellowstripe barracuda-Sphyraena chrysotaenia) were observed in the sampling areas.