Investigation of the possible effect of Pike (Esox lucius) on the invasive fishes of the Persian Gulf Martyrs Lake, Tehran

Lake of the Persian Gulf Martyrs has been constructed in the northwest of Tehran in 22 urban areas, which in addition to creating a recreational-tourism environment, has caused an increasing economic value to the adjacent lands. The declining water quality of the lake and the increasing abundance of rough and invader fishes such as Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and Sharpbelly (Hemiculter leucisculus) are a threat for ecosystem of the lake. In order to control these fishes, pike (Esox Lucius) as a predator was released in the lake. After introduction of pike was studied its diet and growth, and the changes of invasive fish population in 2018-2019. Lincoln–Petersen method showed that the population of Prussian carp was decreased from 20,000 to 8,300 individuals in lake. CPUE showed that population of Sharpbelly has been reduced from 712,000 to about 3,000 individuals in the lake. Using Jolly-Seber method, population of Sharpbelly from the lake shore did not change much during the study period. The population of Pike was estimated at 575 that with continuous feeding of invader fishes had a weight gain of 3.7±6.1 grams per day. The occurrence percentage of Prussian carp was more than other preys; Sharpbelly and topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva). Due to the increase in the size of the Pike, the small fish in the lake do not have much nutritional benefit for the pike and in the current situation, only the Prussian carp fish are fed. In order to better control of the invader fish, the use of small-sized predatory fish seems necessary.