Hybridization of crucian carp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carassius carassius</Emphasis> (Linnaeus, 1758) in Ukrainian reservoirs and the genetic structure of hybrids

The hybridization of crucian carp Carassius carassius inhabiting polyspecific carp populations of Ukraine’s water bodies and the genetic structure of its hybrids were studied using biochemical gene marking and cytometry procedures. The widespread hybridization between C. auratus and C. carassius was justified by a large number of hybrids, which could form populations only represented by hybrid specimens. The hybrids of C. auratus × C. carassius were diploid, triploid, and, in exceptional cases, tetraploid. Females and males were presented in equal numbers and were most likely breeding by hybridogenesis. Alongside with that, some clonal hybrids of C. carassius × C. gibelio-1 were represented by tetraploid females, and one triploid female of C. carassius × Tinca tinca was found. Arguments are presented in favour of hybridization of alien C. auratus and endemic C. carassius and that this hybridization may appear as one of the mechanisms of replacement and suppression of the C. carassius species.