Assessing of fluctuating asymmetry in otolith of the Alburnus spp. from Anatolian lotic and lentic systems

Fluctuating asymmetry can cause developmental disorders in fish, and particularly high levels of asymmetry adversely affect fish life. In this study, the fluctuating asymmetry levels of the otoliths of four Alburnus species (A. chalcoides (Güldenstädt, 1772), A. tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814), A. escherichii Steindachner, 1897, and A. mossulensis Heckel, 1843) found in Turkish inland waters were investigated. A total of 160 fish were collected in the Turkish inland waters. The fluctuating asymmetry level was calculated for the width and length characters of the asteriscus. Alburnus species, which were examined in the present study, were divided into four total length classes and fluctuating asymmetry of otolith was evaluated according to both the total length classes and species. There was significant difference between the right and left asteriscus otolith measurements for A. escherichii (P<0.05). Besides, there were no significant differences between females and males’ otoliths measurements of the species (P>0.05). The highest and lowest asymmetry levels in the otolith length and otolith width were calculated in the A. escherichii among the Alburnus species. However, the highest and lowest asymmetry levels in otolith length and otolith width were calculated in the A. mossulensis among the total length groups of the Alburnus species. In this study, it was determined that the fluctuating asymmetry level varies according to different fish species and habitats.