An Updated Assessment of Fishes in Lake Çıldır: A Comprehensive Study and Conservation Recommendations

This study aims to identify the current fish species of Lake Çıldır. Fish sampling was conducted at three stations with high representativeness of the lake, in May 2024, using gill nets with the assistance of local fishermen. The results of the sampling and reviewing literature the presence of 17 species (Acanthobrama marmid, Alburnoides eichwaldii, Alburnus filippii, Barbus cyri, Capoeta capoeta, Carassius carassius, C. gibelio, Chondrostoma cyri, Cyprinus carpio (both native and introduced forms), Leuciscus aspius, Luciobarbus capito, L. mursa, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Oxynoemacheilus brandtii, Pseudorasbora parva, Salmo murathani and Squalius turcicus) were revealed in the lake. Lake Çıldır is a significant freshwater ecosystem with considerable ecological, economic, and cultural importance for Anatolia. However, given the various threats to the lake, urgent and effective measures are needed for its conservation. This study presents the updated fish fauna of Lake Çıldır and discusses recommendations for the health and conservation of the lake. By compiling existing information on the lake's ecosystem, the study aims to highlight the biodiversity of the lake and the environmental factors impacting it.