The composition of fatty acids in the muscle tissue of the unique Central Asian carp-like fish of the Potanin Altai osman Oreoleuciscus potanini was studied for the first time. The populations of these fish in the reservoirs of the semi-desert zone (Durgun and Taishir) during the period of their formation are considered. It was shown that the content of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids in O. potanini corresponds to the median value of this value in the order Cypriniformes. It has been established that the basis of the food web of the herbivorous form of this species consists of microalgae: diatoms, euglens and, possibly, chrysophytes, as well as bacteria. At the same time, the levels of bacterial biomarkers, 15–17BFA and 17:0 were significantly higher in fish in the Durgun reservoir, and the level of EPA (diatom biomarker) in O. potanini in the Taishir reservoir. The established higher values of the heavy nitrogen isotope content in the muscles of O. potanini from the Taishir reservoir are most likely associated with not yet formed benthic communities and with the incomplete diversification of the river form of the Potanin Altai Osman into lacustrine forms.
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