A Comparative Analysis of the Ichthyofauna Structure of Two Reservoirs in Central Serbia

Abstract

This study examines the ichthyofauna structure of the Međuvršje and Gruža reservoirs over 1999-2005. The Međuvršje reservoir on the Zapadna Morava river was inhabited by 21 fish species from 7 families and the Gruža reservoir on the Gruža river by 19 species from 6 families. Although the two reservoirs were largely dominated by cyprinids, there were significant differences in qualitative and quantitative relationships. The hydroecological conditions of the Međuvršje reservoir led to a high abundance of reophile species. The Gruža reservoir showed characteristics of a lowland reservoir displaying a high level of eutrophication and overproduction of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio). The general environmental conditions prevailing during the period of study enabled highly intensified production of fish in the Gruža reservoir. Given the fact that the reservoir was designed for water supply, more stringent measures should be employed to protect its ichthyofauna and the overall ecosystem.