Abstract:
The aim of this study is to represent ichthyofauna of Sultan Marshes and estimate ecological quality of the marshes based on EurAsian Fish Index (EAFI 1.0). Sampling studies was carried out between March 2016 and June 2018, a total of 16 species belonging to 6 families were identified from studied area: Alburnus chalcoides, Aphanius danfordii, Capoeta damascina, C. tinca, Cobitis joergbohleni, Cyprinus carpio, Esox lucius, Garra turcica, Oncorhynchus mykiss, O. angorae, O. ciceki, O. seyhanensis, Pseudophoxinus elizavetae, Seminemacheilus ahmeti, Squalius seyhanensis and Tinca tinca. Of these five species (A. danfordii, C. joergbohleni, O. ciceki, P. elizavetae and S. ahmeti) are local endemic for the marshes. Gambusia holbrooki was reported from the marshes in the previous studies, was not caught during study period. On the other hand, a total of 9 exotic fish species live in the Sultan Marsh and in the waters connected with the marsh. By the way some species are originally Seyhan Basin elements found in the marsh because of water transfer from Zamantı River is a tributary
of the Seyhan River. Estimated EAFI value for different part of the marsh was 4 (Bad) to 24 (Good) with the mean value of 17.7 (Moderate) showing negative effect of invasive species to decrease the EAFI value.