Piscivorous Vertebrates That May Pose a Risk to the Critically Endangered Mandra Shemaya, Alburnus mandrensis (Drensky, 1943) (Actinopterygii; Leuciscidae)

Abstract

In the present study, we provide a checklist of the predators that may impact the population of the critically endangered Mandra shemaya (Alburnus mandrensis Drensky, 1943). This endemic fish only inhabits the basin of Mandra Lake in the Burgas district (SE Bulgaria) and data on its biology are scarce. We have confirmed the presence of the Mandra shemaya in Mandra Lake for the last six years (including 2024) and provided an analysis on the potential predatory pressures on A. mandrensis. The recently recorded presence of a highly invasive piscivorous predatory fish in Mandra Lake is considered potentially dangerous for the sustainability of native fish species.