Fish species composition, sex ratio and growth parameters in Saghamo Lake (Southern Georgia)

We provide a first investigation of fish species composition, sex ratios, age, length-weight relationships and growth models in Saghamo Lake located in Javakheti highland (Georgia). In total 713 specimens belonging to 8 species were collected included non-native Coregonus albula, Carassius gibelio and native Alburnoides bipunctatus, Squalius cephalus, Capoeta capoeta, Romanogobio persus, Salmo cf. caspius and Barbus lacerta, among which later two were recorded for the first time in the lake. In overall, relative abundances of all species is low while some species may not be presented with viable populations. Deviation from expected sex ratio, growth at age and age structure indicates severe anthropogenic pressure as a potential driver of fish community degradation in the lake.