Biological and reproductive evidence of invasiveness in silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix from Gheshlagh Reservoir, Kurdistan Province, West Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran

2 Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran; & University of Kurdistan, Zrebar Lake Environmental Research, Kurdistan Studies Institute, Sanandaj, Iran

10.22124/cjes.2026.9871

Abstract

Silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix is one of the most important cultured fish species for human consumption and plays a key role as a natural controller of algal communities in aquatic ecosystems. Basic data on reproductive characteristics such as spawning patterns, absolute and relative fecundity, and their relationships with age, body length, weight, sex ratio, egg diameter, and length at the first sexual maturity are essential for effective fisheries management. This study examined biological and reproductive parameters of silver carp in Gheshlagh Dam, Sanandaj City, West Iran across four sampling periods from September to December 2021. Fish were collected from two stations in Gheshlagh reservoir, and reproductive indices were analyzed in the laboratory. The population comprised four age groups (3–6 years), with mean weights ranging from 852.5 ± 103.9 g to 2216.5 ± 450.43 g (overall mean: 1130.4 ± 384.4 g; n = 38). Mean gonadosomatic index (Ga.SI) values were 4.1 and 4.8 for 3- and 4-year-old fish, and 5.1 and 5.5 for 5- and 6-year-olds, respectively. Average condition factor (CF) values were 0.96 and 0.94 for 3- and 4-year-olds, and 1.02 and 1.04 for 5- and 6-year-olds. Evaluations of gonadal maturity showed that environmental conditions in Gheshlagh Dam are unfavorable for full gonadal development and most likely do not allow for natural spermatogenesis and spawning of this species. Given their inability to reproduce and their filter-feeding diet, silver carp are effective for the biological control of algal communities in freshwater reservoirs. Therefore, it is unscientific to introduce them as an invasive species in Gheshlagh Dam and similar dams.
 

Keywords

References

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Caspian Journal of Environmental Sciences
Volume 24, Issue 4
October 2026
Pages 1091-1100

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