First evaluation of three lakes’ (Çıldır, Aktaş and Aygır) macrozoobentic community structure in Aras River basin (North Eastern Türkiye)

In order to evaluate the macrozoobenthic fauna of Çıldır, Aktaş and Aygır lakes, 47 taxa were identified as a result samplings carried out in different periods 2013, 2017 2019. 41 43 at species level new records for study area. The dominant Lake Çıldır Gyraulus (Armiger) crista (4.49%), Paratanytarsus lauterborni (3.90%) Virgotanytarsus arduensis (3.80%). It was seen that gammarid population determined among zoobenthos Lake. Gammarus pseudosyriacus with 15.24% dominance rate Lake, followed by Cricotopus (Isocladius) reversus 7.53% albus 7.29%. Gammarid also high but unlike balcanicus from this group 6.28%; it took fourth place after (8%), (6.92%) tricinctus (6.64%). terms diversity, highest Shannon Margalef Index values found (Shannon H': between 1.73-2.23 (average 2.0), Index: 1.89-2.06 2.03)) while diversity indices lower lakes. detected all three lakes are α β mesotrophic species, density can be considered sign transition oligotrophic level, especially Çıldır.