Issues:
Sections:
Issue 98
GENERAL BIOLOGY
UDK: 597.556.11:57.047
ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HABITATS OF ATHERINA ATHERINA BOYERI CASPIA (EICHWALD, 1838) DURING MIGRATIONS IN THE WESTERN PART THE NORTHERN AND MIDDLE CASPIAN SEA
BARKHALOV Ruslan Magomedovich,
BARABANOV Vitaly V.,
TAIBOV Pirmurad S.,
KANIEVA Nuriya A.
The atherina within the Caspian Sea ichthyofauna currently represents a fishery stock of reserve status, characterized by a favorable biomass that is projected for utilization by the Russian fishery in the near future. This study analyzes the spatial distribution and aggregation density of this species during its spawning, feeding, and pre-wintering migrations in relation to key abiotic environmental factors. Ichthyological sampling in the Northern and Middle Caspian was conducted using standardized methodologies with 9-meter and 24.7-meter bottom trawls (equipped with a keel insert). The results reveal specific deviations in the migratory activity of mature individuals. The findings indicate that, at present, factors including the biological invasion of the ctenophore Mnemiopsis Leidy , hydrological level fluctuations, water temperature, and salinity may serve as limiting variables for atherina population abundance and availability.
Pages: 20 - 26
Date: 30.11.2025