Fish biodiversity in Shirabad stream (Gorganrood basin, Golestan province)

In order to identify and estimate the population of fish and its relationship with environmental factors, sampling was done seasonally from summer 2009 to spring 2010 by electrofishing (DC, 200-300V) in Shirabad stream. Results show four identified species of fish including: Spirlin (Alburnoides eichwaldii), Sand Goby (Neogobius fluviatilis), Loaches (Paracobitis malapterura) and Chub (Squalius cephalus). The estimated population was calculated as for density in different seasons. Sand goby and Spirlin were caught in different seasons in a way that Sand Goby were estimated as the dominant species with the highest frequency (52%) in all four seasons. However, in some seasons Loaches and Chub were observed. In Shirabad stream, the presence of Sand goby was significantly and positively correlated with turbidity and water temperature and the presence of Chub had the highest positive correlation with pH levels. In addition, the presence of Spirlin were positively correlated with stream width, channel incision and water depth The presence or absence of Loaches were correlated to environmental factors such as phosphate and water discharge rate.