Threatened fishes of the world: Capoeta pestai (Pietschmann, 1933) (Cyprinidae)

Abstract

Common name: Egirdir barb (E), Egirdir Siraz baligi (Tr). Conservation status: Critically Endangered on IUCN Red List (Crivelli 2006). Systematics: This species was originally described by Pietschmann (1933). It is closely related to Capoeta trutta on the bases of morphological characteristics (Kucuk et al. 2007), but its validation is supported with molecular genetic analysis (Turan 2008). Identification: C. pestai is a large (up to 50 cm) silvery cyprinid, with a broad snout and a small mouth bearing two very small short barbels. Body oval, elongate, covered in small scales. Last simple ray of the dorsal fin stronger than the others and denticulate posteriorly for 2/3 the distance from the base; D iii 8, A iii 5, Ll. 79–90, gill rakers 10–16 (Karaman 1969; Balik 1995). Distribution: The species now absent in Egirdir Lake (Crivelli 2006), but currently is distributed in the Lake Beysehir (very rarely) with Carsamba Canal, Sarioz and Bakaran Streams (Kucuk et al. 2007) and in Ucpinar Stream (Turan 2008). Abundance: Very small population remains which is in decline. Habitat and ecology: Mostly a lacustrine species (historically, lakes Egirdir and Beysehir), but also inhabits wetlands and permanent freshwater streams. Reproduction: There is no information available on their reproduction. Threats: It has been extirpated from Lake Egirdir due to predation by alien fish species (Sander lucioperca), destruction of shallow water habitats, irrigation, and over fishing (Kucuk et al. 2006; Innal and Erk’akan 2006). Conservation action: At present, no actions are in place for the conservation of the species. Conservation recommendations: Studies on the biology and ecology of Egirdir barb are required. All remaining populations and habitats should be completely protected. Water pumping must be limited from the streams, feeding the Lake Beysehir. Without dramatic action, this species, which once supported fisheries, will be extinct in a few years.