A study on the bio-ecology of ladigesocypris irideus (LADIGES, 1960) endemic to Muğla region and Petroleuciscus smyrnaeus (BOULENGER, 1896) endemic to Southwest Anatolia

The aim of this study was to determine the distribution, growth, reproduction, feeding characteristics, and habitat preferences of two freshwater fishes (Ladigesocypris irideus ve Petroleuciscus smyrnaeus) endemic to Turkey. In this study, the life span of L. irideus was found to be 5 years. Total length ranges between 18,96 – 79,38 mm. Length-weight relationships of females and males were found as W= 1x10-5TL3,04, R2 = 0,92 and W= 2x10-06TL3,43, R2 = 0,93. With regard to the reproduction, maximum mean GSI value for femailes was found as 11,45 in March with the maximum egg diameter of 1,50 mm. L. irideus inhabits slow-running waters stream at depths not exceeding two meters. According to the results, P. smyrnaeus individuals live up to 6 years. Their total length ranges between 22,19-115,7 mm. Length-weight relationships of females and males were found as W=9x10-06TL3,11, R2 = 0,95 and W=6x10-6 TL3,21, R2 = 0,95. According to this study, maximum GSI values (female GSI= 16,73/male GSI=8,18) and maximum mean egg diameter (1,15 mm) were found in April. P. smyrnaeus inhabits rivers and water sources with a maximum depth of 2 m and slightly high velocity. Both species mostly prefer aquatic invertebrates and plant materials with change preferences among seasons. The major threats for both species are human activities such (water abstraction and pollution) and climate changes (drought).