Spatial and Temporal Variation in Feeding Habits Squalius cephalus Living in Suat Uğurlu and Hasan Uğurlu Dam Lakes

Authors : Ayşe ÖLMEZ, Şenol AKIN

Pages : 8-14

Doi:10.34248/bsengineering.639797

View : 18 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2020-01-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :In this study, spatial and temporal feeding habits of Squalius cephalus insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(L., 1758); sampled in the Suat and Hasan Uğurlu Dam Lakes and the river areas above and below the dams was investigated by stomach contents analysis. For that purpose, the sampling was performed at 4 different stations: The first station, the Dam Exit insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(DEX); river areas; the second, Suat Uğurlu Dam Lake insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(SUDL);; the third, Hasan Uğurlu Dam Lake insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(HUDL); and the fourth, the Dam Entrance insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(DEN);. A total of 332 individuals of Squalius cephalus were sampled during the four seasons. Empty stomach ratio was 54.41%. Accordingly, the highest number of empty stomach was observed in autumn insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(for 60 individuals);. According to stomach contents analysis, a total of 37 different prey species belonging to 6 main groups were identified. Of the identified prey species, insects group was the most preferred feed source insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(39.5%);, followed by Chlorophyta insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(12.48%);, Bacillorophyta insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(9.93%);, aquatic plants insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(8.04%);, detritus insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5.57%); and Crustaceae insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.27%);, respectively. The dominant food item in spring were Bacillariopyhta insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3.49 ml);, Chlorophyta insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4.52 ml); and insects insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(14.44 ml); while Chlorophyta insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.93 ml);, insects insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.38 ml); and detritus insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1.41 ml); in summer. It was determined that insects and aquatic plants predominated stomach of S. cephalus in autumn, whereas they mostly fed on insects and preferred plant originated Bacillariohyta group in winter. Dams caused changes in the number of fish and food sources along the river. S. cephalus fed on insects, Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta in DEX and SUDL; detritus, insects, Bacillariophyta in HUDL and aquatic plants, Bacillariophyta in DEN. In conclusion, it was observed that S. cephalus preferred both animal and plant materials during four seasons. More S. cephalus were captured in the river areas at the outlet of the dams and the variety of food sources consumed has been characterized more in their SUDL and HUDL.
Keywords : Suat Uğurlu, Hasan Uğurlu, Dam, Stomach contents analysis, Spatial and temporal variation, Feeding habits