FISH OF THE CARP FAMILY (CYPRINIDAE) IN THE WATER BODIES OF UKRAINE - V. V. Zamorov - 2015

PREFACE

The courses "Zoology", "Fish Systematics and Diversity", and "Advanced Practical Course: Identification of Fish and Cyclostomes" are taught to undergraduate students majoring in Biology at the Faculty of Biology. During Practical Classes in "Zoology", students are introduced to the fundamentals of fish Taxonomy and learn identification techniques. In the advanced practical course in ichthyology, specifically the module on "Identification of Fish and Cyclostomes", students reinforce and deepen the knowledge acquired in the specialized course "Fish Systematics and Diversity". They master The Use of taxonomic keys, develop skills in illustrating the external Morphology of fish and specific diagnostic structures, and learn Methods for describing ichthyofauna in aquatic ecosystems. Students study the Taxonomy of the discussed species, recording their Ukrainian and Latin names, geographical ranges, and key diagnostic features.

This guide will assist students in identifying species of the carp family found in the Water bodies of Ukraine, providing insight into the fundamentals of their biology and distribution.

Fish of the family Cyprinidae (order Cypriniformes) constitute the most species-rich family of predominantly freshwater fish (though some species can tolerate brackish water). The contemporary global fauna comprises approximately 2,420 species of cyprinids belonging to 220 genera. The modern teleost fauna of Ukraine includes about 58 species from 31 genera of cyprinids. To date, fossil remains of Cyprinidae representatives in Ukraine span from the Late Miocene to the Late Holocene. Cyprinids lack jaw Teeth; however, they possess so-called pharyngeal teeth located on the lower pharyngeal bones, which are used to grind and crush food. The body of cyprinids is almost always covered with scales, while the HEAD remains scaleless. There is a single dorsal fin. Some species bear barbels, numbering no more than two pairs. The swim bladder is divided into two chambers: a smaller anterior chamber and a larger posterior chamber. Representatives of the family are distinguished by body shape, the Structure and count of pharyngeal teeth, as well as the shape and positioning of the fins. Cyprinids are an exceptionally diverse group of fish. While some species inhabit exclusively cold, well-oxygenated waters, many prefer warm waters with low oxygen levels. Long-distance Migrations are not characteristic of cyprinids. Females spawn large quantities of eggs and, following Fertilization, exhibit no parental care. Although many cyprinid species remain small and lack commercial value, a significant number serve as important targets for commercial fisheries and aquaculture [Fauna of Ukraine, 1981, 1983].

The taxonomic positions, concise biological descriptions, and distributions of the fish were derived from Yu. V. Movchan's monograph "Fish of Ukraine" [Movchan, 2011].