A study on bio-ecological properties and invasion potential of exotic fish species sun perch, lepomis gibbosus (L. 1758) living in Gökpinar dam lake (Denizli/Turkey)

This study was carried out by monthly sampling in Denizli Province Gökpınar Dam Lake between May 2019 and April 2020 in order to determine some bioecological characteristics of the alien species sun bass Lepomis gibbosus (L. 1758). In the study area, the samples were caught by beach seine netting, and some physicochemical water quality parameters were determined by in situ measurement . Lake use, environmental variables and interactions of L. gibbosus with the environment were monitored and recorded. During the study, a total of 1005 L. gibbosus individuals, including 302 females, 605 males and 98 juveniles, were caught. The males were predominant in general. Three age groups were determined as 0+, I+, and II+. It was determined that the population reproduced between April and June. It was observed that they had habitat sharing and competition in some areas with another invasive alien species, Gambusia holbrooki, living in the lake. The same species is used as prey in the dam lake by L. gibbosus. As a result, it was determined that L. gibbosus created self-sustainable successful population but in limited habitat area. It has been determined that L.gibbosus Gökpınar Dam presents a moderate level of invasiveness in its current situation which is considered as hydrologically unstable habitat. However, it is necessary to be cautious and monitor the species in order to prevent it from spreading to other water sources.