The relationship between phytoplankton and fish in nutrient-rich shallow Lake Qarun, Egypt

What is it about?

Our study focused on the determination of the baseline data and correlations between biological (especially phytoplankton and ichthyofauna) and physicochemical variables, including the assessment of trophic conditions in lake.

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Why is it important?

The results of this study suggest that short-term relationships between the water quality indices and the fish structure in Lake Qarun were reflected and, to a large extent, determined by some significant correlations, e.g. between the dominant species: T. zillii or Solea spp. and the total phytoplankton density, Dinophyceae density, concentrations of TP, chlorophyll a, ammonium, nitrite and nitrate. However, despite the correlations between these physicochemical and biological variables, long-term studies are still urgently needed for a better description of the impact of water quality indices on fish structure and vice versa. A more detailed understanding of physicochemistry-phytoplankton- fish relationships will be useful for enhancing the sustainable fish production.