Investigation of diversity and threats of fishes in Sarab Maran wetland, Kermanshah province

Abstract

Introduction: Wetlands are productive and biologically diverse ecosystems that
increase water quality, control soil erosion, maintain stream flow, and absorb carbon.
Identifying the fauna of wetlands has always been very important because in various
studies it has been estimated that the life cycle of 60 to 90% of economic fish is related
to wetlands.
Materials & Methods: In this regard, a study was conducted to investigate and identify
the fish of Sarab Maran wetland in Kermanshah province. Sampling was done between
1397 to 1400 with electrofisher.
Results: Five families, nine genera and 11 species of fish were identified in this wetland.
The family Cyprinidae with four species, Nemacheilidae with three species, Leuciscidae
with two species and the families Cobitidae and Poeciliidae each with one species were
present in the wetland. Of the 11 identified species, six species were endemic to Iran.
Conclusion: Due to the high and unique endemicity of fish in this wetland, in order to
protect its fish, it was suggested that the construction of fish farm in this wetland be
stopped.