نشریه پژوهش های ماهی شناسی کاربردی
سال هشتم شماره 5 (زمستان 1399)

The objective of this study was to determine the body shape variations among the Blenny populations, Omobranchus genus in the Iranian Coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, using landmark-based geometric morphometrics. Therefore, a total of 120 specimens of Omobranchus genus including the species of Omobranchus fasciolatus (80 specimens from Hengam, Hormuz and Daryabozorg stations), Omobranchus punctatus (10 specimens from Bandar Ameri station) and Omobranchus mekranensis (30 specimens from Daryabozorg Station) collected from the rocks and coastal pools of Bandar Ameri, Hengam and Hormuz stations in the Persian Gulf and Daryabozorg station in the Gulf of Oman in the winter. In order to study and compare the morphological features of different populations of Blennies, the left side of the specimens was photographed and 14 landmark-points were digitized on two-dimensional images using TpsDig2. Landmark data were analyzed after a generalised procrustes analysis using PCA, CVA and cluster analysis and the patterns of body shape differences among the populations were illustrated in the deformation grids in relation to consensus configuration. The results showed a significant difference among the five studied populations in terms of morphological traits (P< 0/0001) and the most important traits expressing intergroup changes based on loading diagram were including landmarks of the notch between two dorsal fins, beginning and end points of the anal fin in the first principal component (PC1) and the initial point of anal fin, notch of two dorsal fins and the lower point of the gill opercula in the second principal component (PC2). The results of this study can help to better understand patterns of morphological variability of these fish in the waters of the southern Coast of Iran.

Functional morphological traits allow researchers to obtain fundamental information about biology, ecology and biogeography of fishes. Hence, this study was aimed to compare the morphological characteristics of different populations of Ponticola gorlap in 6 ecosystems in Iran [Tonekabon River (1), Siahrood (2), Khairud (3), Babolrood, (4), Gisum (5) and Sefidrood (6)] using geometric morphometric method. In total 17 landmarks were made on the photographs taken from the left side of the 155 fish to extract data from body for geometric morphometric analysis (GPA) using digitization TpsDig2 software. The coordinate data after GPA superimposing, analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), canonical variate analysis (CVA) and cluster analysis (CA) and body shape pattern of every population was visualized in relation to consensus shape of total populations. In group classification using DFA, 80. 8% of the specimens were correctly classified into their original population and fish populations of 6 stations were different from each other. The CVA and PCA morphometric of P. gorlap indicated that populations have significant differences and they were separated from each other (p<0. 0001). The results of UPGMA cluster test also showed complete separation of populations in terms of morphometry.

This study was conducted to investigate the morphological variations of Patimar gobi, Ponticola patimari in Chalous, Kheirud and Tonekabon rivers, the middle part of the southern Caspian Sea basin. For this purpose, a total of 22 specimens were collected using electrofishing. In the Lab, some 22 morphometric characters were measured using digital caliper. Then, data were analyzed using One-Way ANOVA, Duncan test, principal component analysis (PCA), canonical variate analysis (CVA), and cluster analysis. The results showed that the studied populations have significant differences in 11 morphometric traits (P<0. 05). PCA and CVA analysis separated the studied populations; also, cluster analysis placed Kheirud in one clade and others in another one. The morphological characteristics in the head region as well as the pectoral fin lenght and the position of the anal fin were effective traits in population separation.

For osteological studying of Paraschistura delvarii, thirty-three specimens of this species were collected from Gharah-aghaj river in Gulf basin (Fars Provance) by electro shocker. Fish were preserve 10% formaldehyde. Osteological studies were performed on all specimens following transportation to the laboratory samples were cleared and stained. The most important skeletal characteristics to distinguishthis species from other members included: T shaped Basihyal bone, 3 basibranchial in apparatus bones and small sesamoeid bone in snout.

Genetic structure of Acipenser persicus, in the Caspian Sea was studied using tetrasomic microsatellite markers. A total of 195 specimens of A. persicus breeders were collected from the sampling stations located in the five fishery catch zones as well as from the Sefidrud River in the south Caspian region. About 2 g of caudal fin samples was collected from each sturgeon specimen and preserved in 96% ethyl alcohol and then transferred to the genetic laboratory of the International sturgeon research Institute. Genomic DNA was extracted using the phenol-chloroform method. DNA quality and content was determined using spectrophotometry and agarose gel electrophoresis. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of genomic DNA fin samples was carried out using 8 pairs of microsatellite tetrasomic primers of which all of primers were polymorphic. All PCR products were electrophoresed on 6% polyacrylamide gel and stained with silver nitrate. Following the scoring of alleles, all parameters related to population genetics were calculated using the Phylip and Arliquin program and the phylogenetic relationship between samples was plotted using neighbor-joining tree. Number of alleles in A. persicus varied from a minimum of 8 (Zone 2) to a maximum of 14 alleles per locus (Sepidrud River). The observed and expected heterozygosity was between 0. 657 and 0. 784 respectively. Significant differences were detected between A. persicus specimens collected from Sepidrud River (P≤0. 001) and those collected in the south Caspian Sea. Significant differences were also detected between specimens caught in the eastern fishery zones and those caught in the western fishery zones of the south Caspian Sea (P≤0. 001).  Based on genetic criteria it is evident from the phylogenetic tree plotted that A. persicus specimens collected from the Sepidrud River belonged to one cluster and all other specimens belonged to a separate cluster. Based on the results obtained it may be concluded that three independent populations of A. persicus are found in the Caspian Sea which include the Sepidrud population, and the population of the fishery zone three in which this calls for further investigations on the genetic structure.

In this study, environmental and climatic variables were used as independent variables to determine the habitat suitability of Cyprinion tenuiradius in Fars Province and to investigate the impact of climate change on its distribution. Modelling was conducted in an R software environment using the MaxEnt algorithm. Based on the results, the performance and accuracy of modelling were good (AUC = 0. 790). Also, the mean annual temperature and annual precipitation were the most important variables in determining the habitat suitability and distribution of this species, respectively. According to the species prediction under optimistic and pessimistic scenarios of climate change in 2050 and 2080, it is expected that the distribution range of this species will decrease slightly under the optimistic scenario of 2050 and 2080. However, the distribution range under the pessimistic scenario of 2050 will be increased slightly while in the pessimistic scenario of 2080, its suitable habitats will be significantly increased. It is recommended to use the obtained results for management and conservation purposes.

In many habitat evaluation methods, the abundance data are used. Such data are not available for many species. However, there is some website that provides the presence data of species that are based on the studies made. The present study used the PATREC method to estimate the habitat suitability of the Caspian Sea for the genus Alosa. The PATREC method needs abundance data to calculate the prior probability. We used a logistic model and environmental data collected using the satellite remotely-sensed method to find a relationship between the presence of the genus and environmental factors. The model used to predict the presence probability of the genus. The piecewise linear regression was used to find the subrange of the environmental factors. The PATREC method calculated the suitability of the Caspian Sea for the genus Alosa as 0. 66. Such a method can be used for the data of some years to investigate the temporal trend of habitat suitability.

In order to investigate phenotypic abnormality in Khorram-rud River in Lorestan province in Iran, 1982 specimens including 13 species were caught. For this purpose, 8 sites were chosen on Khorram-rud River in Khorramabad city from 10 Km upstream to 10 km downstream of the city. Fish were caught using a cast net. Most of the sampled fish were returned to the river if there were no phenotypic abnormalities. A total of 21 cases of phenotypic abnormalities were observed among Capoeta aculeata, while no cases of phenotypic abnormalities were observed among other species. The observed phenotypic abnormalities in this study can be classified into three general categories including Caudal Deformity Syndrome, semi-operculum, and unidentified tissue lesions. Finally, due to the entrance of various urban, industrial, and agricultural pollutants into the Khorram-rud River and the high frequency of phenotypical abnormalities in C. aculeata, this fish can be proposed as a biological indicator for water pollution monitoring in the Khorram-rud River.

Environmental hazards such as the destruction of habitats of endemic fish are one of the obvious challenges on the southern shores of the Caspian Sea. This research, which has been written by descriptive-analytical method and using the approach of interdisciplinary research, seeks to examine the strategies of the criminal justice system in this regard and in Guilan province. Degradation, illegal fishing and disruption of biodiversity are among the challenges facing fish habitats in Guilan province. Iran's criminal justice system needs appropriate responses to action (situational and social prevention) as well as responsiveness (increasing deterrence of punishments as well as compassionate institutions such as Take alternatives to imprisonment and social punishment). Victory in this way will lead to the empowerment of the sensitive Caspian ecosystem as well as the sustainable development of Guilan province. This study has found that the Iranian criminal justice system has clear capabilities for proper criminal management of the destruction of fish habitats in Guilan province and throughout Iran.

Fars Province in southern Iran includes the main basins of the Kor River, Maharloo Lake, Persis, Hormoz and Karun. The Kor River Basin, as an inland basin, is an important part of the freshwater Ichthyodiversity. Cheshmeh Gomban (Gomban spring) and its surrounding wetlands are important water sources of this basin and water bodies of the Tashk and Bakhtegan Lakes. In this study, the ichthyodiversity in the Cheshmeh Gomban wetlands and their conservation threats (human and non-human) in 2010, 2017 and 2018 have been investigated. In the field work of the previous years, 5 fish species including 4 endemic species and an exotic species belonging to 5 genera and 3 families (Acanthobrama persidis, Alburnoides qanati, Aphanius sophiae, Capoeta saadii, Gambusia holbrooki) have been identified from the Cheshmeh Gomban wetlands, which in the recent study, this number was reduced to two species. Recent prolonged droughts, uncontrolled abstraction of water from wetlands by various methods and the presence of non-native species are the main threats to the habitats and populations of fish and other biota in Fars Province. Immediate conservation measures are necessary to rehabilitate the wetlands.

Anzali International Wetland located on the southwestern shore of the Caspian Sea possess a strategic role in establishing the ecological balance between animals and birds owing to its unique features. The wetland acts as a natural reproduction and rehabilitation ground for several groups the Caspian Sea fishes. It also serves as a habitat and spawning ground for the Caspian Sea migratory fish during their early life stages. Over 110 species and subspecies of fish from 18 families have been reported in the Caspian Sea and its catchment area, including native, non-native and ornamental fish species. Fishes of the Anzali wetland maintain economic, commercial, environmental or protective, recreational and sports fishing values. Most fishes of the waterbodies of Guilan including Caspian Sea belong to families of Cyprinidae, Gobiidae, Clupeidae and constitute about 75% of the total fish population of the Caspian Sea. Population of many of these fish species has been severely declined and are placed at endangered fish (vulnerable, highly endangered and critically endangered) categories. To maintain populations of these fish species, special attentions such as fishing ban, artificial breeding and propagation by governmental and non-governmental organizations, restoration and development of spawning grounds, reducing pollution input, definition of appropriate water regime and training different segments of the people including fishermen of the Anzali Wetland should be given priority.

Anzali Wetland is one of the most important wetland in southern Caspian Sea where more than 45 endemic and native fish species were reported. In this study, distribution, abundance and IUCN category of fish species were investigated in Anzali Wetalnd during 2016-2017 according to research fishing and local fishermen data. The result showed that 45 fish species belong to 13 families exist in Anzali Wetland. The highest species diversity belongs to Cyprinidae and Gobiidae families with 25 and 6 species respectively.  There was distinguished 4 groups of fish consisting freshwater resident, Anadromous, estuarine and multi-habitat. Gambusia holbrooki, Carassius gibelio, Hemiculter leucisculus, Blicca bjoerkna and Rhodeus caspius were made 22. 8, 19. 7, 12. 1, 10. 1 and 8. 4% of total caught number, respectively. According to all data, the IUCN groups of Anzali Wetland fishes were categorized as 10 species in least concern, 10 species vulnerable, 5 species endangered and 6 species critically endangered. The protection of fish in Anzali wetland needs more attention and is necessary implementation of rehabilitation programs such as reducing the entry of various pollutants into the wetland, controlling invasive aquatic plants, sediment control, rehabilitating spawning sites and avoiding illegal fishing. Artificial propagation of endangered and critically endangered fish should be done for helping the fish for some years.

The Caspian lamprey (Caspiomyzon wagneri) is one of the most important ecological and native fish species of the Caspian Sea basin. The present study was conducted to identify the factors affecting the population decline of this species in Shiroud River as one of the important habitats of fish in the southern basin of the Caspian Sea. For this purpose, three stations were selected for sampling fish in downstream of Shiroud River. In this study, immediately after fish fish sampling, physicochemical parameters of water including pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), water temperature, salinity and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) were recorded. In this study, the correlation between physicochemical parameters of water was investigated using Pearson correlation. Also, Canonical Correspondence Analysis was used to investigate the relationship between environmental parameters and the abundance of C. wagneri. Along with the study of physicochemical factors affecting the Caspian lamprey population, the origin of human activities in the study area, which affects these factors and ultimately the population structure of the species, was investigated by collecting field information. Based on the results, there was a significant correlation between temperature and salinity. The results showed that EC and pH factors had the greatest effect on the abundance of fish in Shiroud River. Given the importance of the reproductive cycle of cormorants in the Caspian Sea basin, the present study suggests that preventing habitat destruction, especially spawning sites, should be a priority. Therefore, avoiding the entry of pollutants into the river and dredging and sand extraction should be considered.

The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental factors affecting the population of the bulatmai barbel (Luciobarbus capito) in Sefidrood River, as one of the important habitats of fish in the Caspian Sea basin. For this purpose, two stations after Sefidrood Dam and one station near Rudbar (Guilan province) were selected for the study. Fish sampling was performed using electroshocking device and backup net. Immediately after sampling, water physicochemical parameters including water temperature, alkalinity (pH), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), nitrate (NO3) and phosphate (PO4) were recorded. In the present study, the correlation between physicochemical variables of water was investigated using Pearson correlation test. Also, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to investigate the relationship between environmental parameters and species presence information. The results showed that there is a significant relationship between pH and DO. Based on the results of CCA analysis, the first station was more affected by DO and pH and the second station was more affected by TDS. Also, the results showed that in the third station, water temperature and phosphate had an effective role on the population of L. capito. In general, this study showed that the water quality situation in Sefidrood River is not very favorable, the main causes of which can be influenced by human activities such as construction of dams, the entry of pollutants and sand extraction. The present study recommends that the prevention of destructive human activities, protection of habitats and spawning and reproduction sites of L. capito in the Caspian Sea basin should be considered as conservation priorities.

Iranian goby is an endemic fish that was described in 2015 from rivers of the Guilan province. This fish exists upstream and mid-stream of rivers and it is observed lowly in downstream and rarely in estuaries of rivers. This study has been done in 4 important rivers of Anzali Wetland (Chafrud, Khalkaee, Siahdarvishan and Pasikhan) and the main purposes were determination of diet spectrum and food preference of the fish and samples was caught using electro-shocker from spring 2016 until winter 2017. Results on 54 individuals with a total length 47-137mm showed that coefficient of vacuity, averages of relative gut length and feeding intensity, 8.5%, 0.51±0.10 and 337.3±237.6, respectively. The studied fish fed on 26 food items belong to 21 animal families of worms (Oligochaeta), Bivalvia, insects consist of orders Coleoptera, Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Crustacean (Isopoda and Palaemonidae) and bony fishes (Cyprinidae, Cobitidae and Gobiidae). Chironomidae, Baetidae and Simulidae were observed in 48.1, 14.8 and 11.1% of studied stomachs and they comprised about 74.3, 7.6 and 3.2% of total counted preys and were abundant. In general, the fish is a euryphagous and mainly benthivore fish and old individuals consume on nekton such as shrimps and fish species, too.

The Caspian Sea basin is one of the most important ecosystems in Iran with a high diversity of different aquatic species, so that the issue of determining the taxonomy its fishes has always been considered. Up to now, a total of 297 species of freshwater and brackish fish have been reported from Iran where the subfamily Leuciscinae (minnows) has a high diversity of species in the Caspian Sea basin. In the present study, during the years 2017-2019, sampling of reported species of the subfamily was performed in this basin. In addition to morphological studies, Bayesian Inference (BI) analyzes were carried out using the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX1) to investigate the phylogenetic relationships between members of this subfamily. According to result, the following genera were caught and identified: Abramis, Acanthobrama, Alburnus, Alburnoides, Blicca, Chondrostoma, Leucaspius, Leuciscus, Rutilus, Scardinius, Squalius and Vimba, where Alburnoides parhami, A. samiii and A. tabarestanensis are endemic species. Therefore, to maintain the diversity of Leuciscinae subfamily species in Iran, especially in the Caspian Sea basin, it is necessary to protect endangered species and preserve their genetic resources.

In the present study, the fishing status and production of caviar from wild sturgeon as well as the stocks rehabilitation of these species in the Caspian Sea have been analyzed over the past few years. Unfortunately, due to certain reasons such as overfishing and poaching, destruction of spawning areas and natural habitats, environmental pollution and reduced the number of released juveniles sturgeon, the generation of these valuable species has sharply declined and the catching amount reached only to 13 tons in south parts of the Caspian Sea in 2019. With this situation, it seems that through the upcoming years, the generation of some fishes from the Caspian Sea will become rare and extinct. Meanwhile, attention to aquaculture of these fish, especially beluga and Siberian sturgeon has increased in Iran, so that the amount of meat and caviar production in 2019 was 2830 and 10. 6 tons, respectively. Given the severe decline in the sturgeon stocks, the necessity of rehabilitation of natural spawning areas in the rivers, prevent poaching and continuing stocks rehabilitation under the management of all surrounded countries should be considered in form of a proper "action plan" for the Caspian Sea. Moreover, for more awareness of the public people and the appropriate cultural issues, a certain day is suggested as "National Sturgeon Conservation Day".

In order to identify trends and provide suitable diet for Schizothorax zarudnyi, the activity of alpha-amylase, trypsin, and lipase in five treatment groups including: fertilized egg, newly-hatched larvae, the larvae a day, larvae absorbed in the bag 2/ 3 yolk and absorption of yolk sac larvae, in 20 embryonated eggs and 80 larvae at the end of 53 days were studied. Analysis of the data showed that in all five groups of fish eggs and larvae, the activity of the alpha-amylase enzyme is even more. Most of the activity of the enzyme alpha-amylase in the bottom of the absorption of the yolk sac (59. 63±4. 4 IU/ mg protein (and lowest in the 2/3 absorb the yolk sac (7. 78±0. 5 IU/ mg protein) seen. The activity of alpha-amylase enzyme in the process of absorbing the yolk sac in comparison with the other groups were significantly different (p < 0. 05). Results showed that the activity of the trypsin and lipase enzyme from egg to larvae four-day rising trend, and highest of their activities observed at the end of yolk sac absorption stage. In assessing enzymes trypsin and lipase were not observed significant difference between the 3-day-old larvae and 4-day-old larvae (p > 0/05), but the larvae 4 days fertilized eggs and newly hatched larvae were significant differences (p < 0/05).

This study was aimed to evaluate the single and combined effects of sodium diformate as an acidifier and bacilli probiotics (Bacillus subtilis and B. licheniformis) on intestinal histomorphology of juvenile Salmo trutta caspius or 60 days. Hundred juvenile fish weighing 12. 6±1. 4 g were divided into 4 different treatments, including control, 0. 4g B. subtilis+ B. licheniformis /kg diet, 0. 5g sodium diformate/kg diet and their combination (0. 4g B. subtilis+ B. licheniformis + 0. 5g acidifier sodium diformate/kg diet). Blood and intestine samples (9 fish/ treatment) were withdrawn at two different time intervals, i. e., days 30 and 60. The results showed that the microvilli height, parin lyer and the thickness of epithelium was reduced (P>0. 05) at day 30 as a result of single acidifier while the combined treatments led to either significant increase (P<0. 05) or no change as compared with corresponding single treatments and control group. Our data suggest that bacilli probiotic applied here was much successful to improve fish health status and growth performance rather than sodium diformate.

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a species with high nutritional, ecological and commercial values which is endemic in Iran, but its natural stocks are endangered during recent years. Therefore, Iranian Fisheries Organization as the main responsible organization for preservation of aquatic natural stocks of the country planned to stock rehabilitation of this species since 1989. This program had satisfactory results and make drastic increment in pikeperch harvest value in southern parts of the Caspian Sea. The key part of restocking plan of fish including pikeperch is in-captured propagation, larviculture and production of high quality fries. Larval period is very critical and challenging stage and larviculture requests having knowledge on natural requirements of larvae and maintaining appropriate environmental and nutritional conditions. Hence, the current paper tried to evaluate principles of pikeperch larviculture and present practical manual on this field.

Lanternfish is one of the most important and aquatic reserves in the Oman Sea. After the cessation of the fish lantern fishing project provided by foreign vessels owned by Iranian companies by the Iranian Fisheries Organization, the impact of the activity of foreign vessels on aquatic resources should be considered for reasons other than those envisaged in the contracts and research plans. Lighthouse fish stocks in the Oman Sea can be an important part of fishmeal production as a result of aquatic feed production, and the main purpose of the lighthouse fishery project was to use these stocks in fishmeal production. In this paper, Iran's macro-fisheries policies in the industrial fishing development plan in the waters of the Oman Sea and the impact of trawling on the marine environment and the economic value cycle of the lighthouse fishing plan with respect to the reduction of other aquatic reserves have been studied. However, overfishing of Oman Sea resources by foreign vessels, and illegal traditional fishermen, has put many commercial aquatic species at risk of extinction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the different operational aspects of the lantern fishing project in the northwestern waters of the Oman Sea from longitude 57 east to longitude 58 east and latitude 25 to 26 north.

Shark stocks in Iranian water of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman are declining sharply. Although fishing and heavy fines have been banned by the organizations in charge of fishing for these fish, bycatch in some fishing methods, including Neritic and oceanic Gillnet, trawl fish and shrimp, long loine and trolling, still catch sharks. Slowly In this study, during a period of 10 years from 2010 to 2020 in 20 selected fishing ports randomly in the coastal strip of the Persian Gulf and gulf of ​​Oman to monitor the discharge of sharks by examining and identifying shark species using biometric methods and using valid regional identification keys as well as FAO identification keys. The present study showed that 38 species of sharks are implicitly caught in the process of fishing operations. Of the total shark fishing composition during the study period, five shark species are the most abundant, which are the dominant species in the region. The percentage of abundance of these sharks are respectively., Rhizoprionodon acutus21%, Carcharhinus falciformis 18%, Carcharhinus sorrah 15%, Rhizoprionodon oligolinx 12%, Carcharhinus dussumieri 10% and, Carcharhinus limbatus 8%, To devote to themselves. Most sharks caught are small sharks with a longitudinal frequency of between 50 and 100 cm. Estimated annual shark catches over the past five decades and according to the latest IUCN rankings in 2020, four species of sharks in the Persian Gulf and the gulf of ​​Oman are now critically endangered; Thirteen species are also on the Red List of Endangered Species. Accordingly, 13 other species have become vulnerable due to illegal fishing of their stocks Vulnerable. At present, due to the ecological importance of shark stocks and the existence of sensitivity at the national and regional levels, as well as the presence of the Iranian fishing fleet in the Indian Ocean and the implicit catch of ocean species and the attention of international organizations, the need for a national plan of action to protect These valuable species are increasingly felt that this important thing with a national determination and with regard to the needs of management and expert consensus must be achieved in a practical and executive way.