Zoobenthos in riffles of salmon river in southeast of Kola Peninsula

Abstract

The species composition and abundance of zoobenthos in salmon rivers of the southeastern part of the Kola Peninsula have been studied. Poor species composition and low values of abundance and biomass have been recorded. Apparently this is due to severe climate conditions and the low input of vegetative organic matter into the stream. The maximum number of species and abundance of zoobenthos is recorded on detrital rock grounds and in sites of the input of leaf litter in the forest-tundra zone. The maximum biological diversity is in the riffles covered with Fontinalis moss. Feeding conditions of juvenile salmonids are poor in the rivers of the tundra and medium in the south of the region in the forest-tundra zone.