Ichthyofauna of Costesti-Stinca reservoir

Abstract

The paper presents the results of scientific research and ichthyological observations on Costesti-Stanca reservoir from the succesional point of view. It is the first scientific review on the state of ichthyofauna of this ecosystem since its formation. Along the time, the registered number of fish species has increased from 22 to 34. In the first years after the filling up of the reservoir (1980), the catches were numerically dominated by the perch – 46.5%, the common roach and the silver crucian carp – with 8.7% each. Due to the systematic populations with the economically valuable species (carp, pikeperch and bream), the qualitative and quantitative composition of ichthyofauna has stabilized since 1985. Currently, fluctuating hydrological conditions, prevailing during the spring-summer period, does not ensure successful natural reproduction of fish, this being an important limiting factor for the piscicolous productivity of reservoir.