Fish Communities In Three Rivers Of The South Podolia, Black Sea Basin, Ukraine

Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the fish communities in three rivers of the South Podolia are studied: Savranka (97 km long), Kodyma (149 km) and Tyligul (173 km). Savranka and Kodyma are right tributaries of the South Bug River. The Tyligul River flows into the Black Sea via the brackish Tyligul Estuary. The study has been carried out in June 2019 at 10 localities. Totally, 1278 fish specimens belonging to 18 species were captured. In total, 17 fish species in Savranka, 20 species in Kodyma and 13 species in Tyligul have been registered, summarising data from the present study and published data. The invasive alien species (IAS), i.e. stone morocco Pseudorasbora parva, Prussian carp Carassius gibelio s.l. and pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus have been registered in the studied rivers. Both Sorensen and Czekanowski similarity indices indicate the intermediate status of Kodyma. According to the Sorensen index, the fish composition of this river is more similar to that in Savranka (0.86); however, using the quantitative Czekanowski index, it is also similar to Tyligul (similarity of 0.48 to Savranka and 0.45 to Tyligul). Several sites have been proposed for inclusion into the Emerald Network of Ukraine due to the presence of protected fish species such as Cobitis taenia s.l., Rhodeus amarus and Misgurnus fossilis.