Omnivorous Carp (Carassius gibelio) Increase Eutrophication in Part by Preventing Development of Large-Bodied Zooplankton and Submerged Macrophytes

Fish, being an important consumer in aquatic ecosystems, plays a significant role by affecting the key processes of ecosystems. Omnivorous fish consume variety food both from pelagic and benthic habitats may directly or indirectly affect plankton community as well lake trophic state. We conducted 72-day outdoor experiment mesocosms with without Prussian carp (Carassius auratus) to evaluate effect this often-stocked omnivorous on water quality. found that presence increased biomass planktonic algae, total inorganic suspended solids, leading decreased light intensity lower algae. Fish also prevented development submerged macrophytes establishment large-bodied zooplankton. However, did not increase nitrogen concentrations even was lowered phosphorus levels, part due nutrient storage fish. conclude stocking should be avoided, removed where stocked abundant, obtain good ecological quality shallow lakes, characterized clear high abundance macrophytes.