Condition of the Balkan Spined Loach (Sabanejewia balcanica Karaman, 1922) in the Waters of the Sava River Basin (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Abstract

Aims: The Balkan spined loach (Sabanejewia balcanica) is an endemic fish of the Balkan Peninsula, whose habitats have been significantly disturbed by anthropogenic impact. For this reason, it is necessary to study this species from different aspects. Study Design: The general condition of the fish, as well as the changes that occur depending on the location and physiological cycles in the life of the fish, is best shown by the condition state, which is determined by the condition factor and analysis of length-mass growth. Methodology: For the purposes of this research, 98 individuals of the studied species were collected, caught from eight rivers in the northern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The collection of specimens from the studied area was conducted with the approval and permit of the relevant ministry, and the fish sampling was carried out using electrofishing methods. Laboratory processing and determination of the specimens and collected material from the studied locations were conducted in the Zoology Laboratory of the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in Tuzla. Results: In all analyzed populations, the Fulton condition factor was less than 1 (K<1) and the regression factor was less than 3 (b<3). The established differences in the growth of length and mass of the analyzed species can be attributed to different environmental conditions, and in addition, the differences may also depend on the homogeneity of age classes. Conclusion: By analyzing the ratio of length to body mass of the studied individuals, the study can conclude that as their length increases, their mass also increases, but that their growth is not isometric but negative allometric. This relationship can be determined by various ecological or genetic factors and the age structure of the fish.