Acipinar killifish facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Acipinar killifish |
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Turkichthys transgrediens Ermin, 1946 |
The Acı Göl toothcarp (scientific name: Aphanius transgrediens), also called the Acipinar killifish, is a special type of freshwater fish. It belongs to the Cyprinodontidae family. This small fish lives only in the springs around Lake Acıgöl in Turkey.
Sadly, the Acı Göl toothcarp is in danger. Its home is shrinking because of less rain from climate change. People also take too much water from its springs. Another threat is a fish called the eastern mosquitofish, which is not native to the area.
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Where the Acı Göl Toothcarp Lives
The Acı Göl toothcarp is found only in Lake Acıgöl, Turkey. This lake gets its water from sulfurous springs. These springs are on the southeastern side of the lake. The water in the lake also has salts like sodium sulphate. People collect these salts, which is important for the local economy.
The water levels and saltiness in the lake can change a lot. Because of this, the Acı Göl toothcarp mostly lives in the spring fields near the lake's edges. These areas have different levels of saltiness. The ponds where they live are usually very shallow. They often have lots of stringy green algae called Chara.
How They Live and Grow
When it rains in winter, the fish can move between different spots. They travel through small streams around the lake. This movement helps different groups of fish mix. It makes the fish population more diverse. These fish live in an area about one square kilometer in size.
The fish usually move in late summer. They move back in early summer. Scientists believe the Acı Göl toothcarp eats both plants and small water animals. This means they are omnivorous.
Female toothcarps lay eggs in batches. They can lay 5 to 11 eggs at a time. They lay their eggs on plants in the water. The male fish will guard the area where the eggs are laid. Each egg is about 1.3 to 1.5 millimeters wide. They lay eggs from early spring until late autumn.
Dangers to the Acı Göl Toothcarp
The Acı Göl toothcarp lives in a very small area. There are only about 30 springs where it can be found. This entire area is at risk because a new road is being built. In the past, these fish lived in the lake itself and its surrounding areas.
Besides the road, other things threaten the Acı Göl toothcarp.
- Invasive Species: New species, like the eastern mosquitofish, are introduced. These non-native fish can harm the toothcarp.
- Habitat Damage: The places where they live are getting damaged. For example, farm animals like livestock can trample the springs.
- Climate Change: Changes in the weather patterns are a big problem. Less rainfall means less water in the springs. This makes it harder for the fish to survive.
Because of these serious threats, the Acı Göl toothcarp is listed as critically endangered. This means it is at a very high risk of disappearing forever. Most efforts to save this fish are happening outside of its natural home. This is called ex-situ conservation.
See also
In Spanish: Aphanius transgrediens para niños
