Feeding and reproduction ecological patterns of Coptodon zillii in Shadegan wetland: An aggressive potential species for local aquaculture

The knowledge of feeding and reproduction ecology of Coptodon zillii, as an aggressive species for endemic fisheries stocks and aquaculture activity, is very important. Sampling was performed monthly for one year in the northern area of Shadegan Wetland. The relationship between length and weight showed negative allometric growth. According to the gut contents; macrophytes, fish scale, fish eggs, cladocerans, copepods, and periphyton were preferred food. The feeding type of this species was identified as vegetarian with low animal source origin. The condition index showed that the species condition was good in terms of being fat. The highest hepatosomatic (HSI) and gonadosomatic indices (GSI) indices were recorded in February and May, respectively. The highest relative fecundity index was 1315.26 ± 379- July, and the lowest was 78.86 ± 28 eggs per gram of female somatic weight. Therefore, based on food and reproduction conditions, it can be said that C. zillii had successfully resided in Shadegan Wetland and had relatively good ecological conditions. It could be harmful risk for practical aquaculturists because of the aggressive potential of this species in interaction with endemic and farmed fishes, and should be managed with fisheries decision-makers.