Editorial

3 pages, 181 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity: We Need More Knowledge to Develop Conservation Strategies

by Rafael Miranda and Imanol Miqueleiz

Water 2021, 13(14), 1929; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13141929 - 13 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2131

Freshwater fish represent one-fourth of all vertebrate species, despite freshwater occupying less than 1% of the Earth’s surface [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

19 pages, 3357 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Fish Ecology of the Alto Madre de Dios River Basin (Peru): Notes on Electrofishing Surveys, Elevation, Palm Swamp and Headwater Fishes

by Ibon Tobes, Adrián Ramos-Merchante, Julio Araujo-Flores, Andrea Pino-del-Carpio, Hernán Ortega and Rafael Miranda

Water 2021, 13(8), 1038; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13081038 - 09 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4095

Abstract

Our study analyzes the distribution of fish communities related to the environmental variables of the Alto Madre de Dios River, an Andean-Amazon watershed of southern Peru, between 300 and 2811 m a.s.l. within the Manu Biosphere Reserve. We provide new ecological and diversity [...] Read more.

Our study analyzes the distribution of fish communities related to the environmental variables of the Alto Madre de Dios River, an Andean-Amazon watershed of southern Peru, between 300 and 2811 m a.s.l. within the Manu Biosphere Reserve. We provide new ecological and diversity data on fishes for these poorly studied rivers and new data for palm swamp habitats. With electric fishing techniques, we collected a total of 1934 fish specimens belonging to 78 species, 42 genera and 15 families. To assess main patterns of diversity we combined SIMPER and ANOSIM with canonical correspondence analysis to obtain an overview of the community structure of fish and their distribution related to aquatic habitats. Our results show an important shift on fish diversity at 700 m a.s.l. separating headwater and middle-lowland communities. Electrofishing was a hindrance due to the depth, flow and low conductivity of the rivers, but also allowed us to capture fish not observed with other techniques. We also compared the use of elevation with slope as an alternative variable for statistical analysis. Our results show that slope offers a solid and equivalent explanation for fish distribution variability, avoids redundance, and instead of giving geographical data offers ecologically solid information. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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19 pages, 2740 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Variability in Population Traits of a Sentinel Iberian Fish in a Highly Modified Mediterranean-Type River

by Ana Sánchez-Pérez, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna, Fátima Amat-Trigo and Mar Torralva

Water 2021, 13(6), 747; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13060747 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1776

Abstract

Human pressures on water resources have been suggested as a driver of biological traits that induce changes in native fish populations. This study highlighted the interplay between environmental stress factors, mostly related to flow regulation, and the longitudinal river gradient in biological traits [...] Read more.

Human pressures on water resources have been suggested as a driver of biological traits that induce changes in native fish populations. This study highlighted the interplay between environmental stress factors, mostly related to flow regulation, and the longitudinal river gradient in biological traits such as the growth, size structure and somatic condition of a sentinel fish, Luciobarbus sclateri. We found an increase in size-related metrics and somatic condition at population levels associated with downstream reaches, although fragmentation and habitat alteration, flow regime alteration and the abundance of non-native fish were also significantly involved in their variability. Age-related parameters and growth were only explained by flow regime alterations and the abundance of non-native fish species. The high plasticity observed in L. sclateri population traits suggests that this is a key factor in the species adaptability to resist in a strongly altered Mediterranean river basin. However, the interplay of multiple stressors plays an important role in fish population dynamics and could induce complex responses that may be essential for long-term monitoring in sentinel species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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17 pages, 2280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasticity in Reproductive Traits, Condition and Energy Allocation of the Non-Native Pyrenean Gudgeon Gobio lozanoi in a Highly Regulated Mediterranean River Basin

by Fátima Amat-Trigo, Mar Torralva, Daniel González-Silvera, Francisco Javier Martínez-López and Francisco José Oliva-Paterna

Water 2021, 13(3), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13030387 - 02 Feb 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2258

Abstract

The invasion success of non-native fish, such as Pyrenean gudgeon Gobio lozanoi in several Iberian rivers, is often explained by the expression of its life history traits. This study provides the first insights into the reproductive traits, fish condition, and energy allocation (protein [...] Read more.

The invasion success of non-native fish, such as Pyrenean gudgeon Gobio lozanoi in several Iberian rivers, is often explained by the expression of its life history traits. This study provides the first insights into the reproductive traits, fish condition, and energy allocation (protein and lipid contents of tissues) of this species, along a longitudinal gradient in one of the most regulated river basins in the Iberian Peninsula, the Segura river. Larger sizes of first maturity, higher fecundity and larger oocytes were found in fluvial sectors with the most natural flow regimes, characterised by a low base flow with high flow peaks in spring and autumn. A delay in the reproductive period, lower fish condition and no differences in sex-ratio were observed in fluvial sectors with a high increase in base flow and notable inversion in the seasonal pattern of flow regime. Lipid contents in the liver and gonads were stable during the reproductive cycle and decreases in muscle were noted, whereas ovarian and liver proteins increased. In relation to energy allocation for G. lozanoi, an intermediate energy strategy was observed between income and capital breeding. Our results support the hypothesis that the high plasticity of G. lozanoi population traits plays a significant role in its success in a highly regulated Mediterranean river basin. Understanding the mechanisms by which flow regulation shapes fish populations in Mediterranean type-rivers could inform management actions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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17 pages, 1826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fish Rescue during Streamflow Intermittency May Not Be Effective for Conservation of Rio Grande Silvery Minnow

by Thomas P. Archdeacon, Tracy A. Diver and Justin K. Reale

Water 2020, 12(12), 3371; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12123371 - 01 Dec 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2865

Abstract

Streamflow intermittency can reshape fish assemblages and present challenges to recovery of imperiled species. During streamflow intermittency, fish can be subjected to a variety of stressors, including exposure to crowding, high water temperatures, and low dissolved oxygen, resulting in sublethal effects or mortality. [...] Read more.

Streamflow intermittency can reshape fish assemblages and present challenges to recovery of imperiled species. During streamflow intermittency, fish can be subjected to a variety of stressors, including exposure to crowding, high water temperatures, and low dissolved oxygen, resulting in sublethal effects or mortality. Rescue of fishes is often used as a conservation tool to mitigate the negative impacts of streamflow intermittency. The effectiveness of such actions is rarely evaluated. Here, we use multi-year water quality data collected from isolated pools during rescue of Rio Grande silvery minnow Hybognathus amarus, an endangered minnow. We examined seasonal and diel water quality patterns to determine if fishes are exposed to sublethal and critical water temperatures or dissolved oxygen concentrations during streamflow intermittency. Further, we determined survival of rescued Rio Grande silvery minnow for 3–5 weeks post-rescue. We found that isolated pool temperatures were much warmer (>40 °C in some pools) compared to upstream perennial flows, and had larger diel fluctuations, >10 °C compared to ~5 °C, and many pools had critically low dissolved oxygen concentrations. Survival of fish rescued from isolated pools during warmer months was <10%. Reactive conservation actions such as fish rescue are often costly, and in the case of Rio Grande silvery minnow, likely ineffective. Effective conservation of fishes threatened by streamflow intermittency should focus on restoring natural flow regimes that restore the natural processes under which fishes evolved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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13 pages, 1286 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Factors Influencing Abundances and Population Size Structure of the Threatened and Endemic Cyprinodont Aphanius iberus in Mediterranean Brackish Ponds

by Serena Sgarzi, Sandra Brucet, Mireia Bartrons, Ignasi Arranz, Lluís Benejam and Anna Badosa

Water 2020, 12(11), 3264; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12113264 - 21 Nov 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2949

Abstract

Aphanius iberus is an endemic cyprinodontoid fish species of Mediterranean ponds in danger of extinction. In this study, we studied some abiotic and biotic factors that can influence A. iberus’s size structure and density in Mediterranean brackish ponds. We sampled fish using [...] Read more.

Aphanius iberus is an endemic cyprinodontoid fish species of Mediterranean ponds in danger of extinction. In this study, we studied some abiotic and biotic factors that can influence A. iberus’s size structure and density in Mediterranean brackish ponds. We sampled fish using fyke nets in 10 ponds of Empordà (Spain) during the spring season. Our results showed that a better ecological status (according to the Water Quality of Lentic and Shallow Ecosystems (QAELS) index), pond’s depth and pond’s isolation (reflected by an increase in total nitrogen) were related to larger individual sizes and more size-diverse populations. Increasing the salinity is known to help the euryhaline A. iberus acting as a refuge from competitors. Nevertheless, our results showed that higher conductivities had a negative effect on A. iberus’s size structure, leading to a decrease in the mean and maximum size of the fish. Fish abundance (expressed as captures per unit of effort (CPUE)) seemed to increase with increasing the pond’s depth and total nitrogen (the latter reflecting pond isolation). In conclusion, our results suggest that achieving a better pond ecological status may be important for the conservation of endangered A. iberus, because better size-structured populations (i.e., larger mean and average lengths) were found at higher water quality conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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8 pages, 2475 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Fish Biodiversity Conservation and Restoration, Yangtze River Basin, China, Urgently Needs ‘Scientific’ and ‘Ecological’ Action

by Jianhua Li, Xiaochen Chen, Xinliang Zhang, Zhenjia Huang, Liang Xiao, Liangliang Huang, Yuichi Kano, Tatsuro Sato, Yukihiro Shimatani and Chunpeng Zhang

Water 2020, 12(11), 3043; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12113043 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3391

Abstract

Although many significant policies and legislation have been put forth by the Chinese government aiming toward “ecological civilization” for the aquatic environment, in practice, the situation is still undesirable. A pioneering multi-year study has since been conducted on the East Tiaoxi River (a [...] Read more.

Although many significant policies and legislation have been put forth by the Chinese government aiming toward “ecological civilization” for the aquatic environment, in practice, the situation is still undesirable. A pioneering multi-year study has since been conducted on the East Tiaoxi River (a major tributary of the renowned Yangtze River), focusing on fish distribution, influencing factors and habitat requirements, and river health as well. This revealed certain key species, hotspot protection areas, negative impacts of local anthropogenic activities, and inappropriate perceptions and practices of conservation and restoration. We found that not all fish species were equally conserved and that the supposedly ecological engineering measures were initiated without regard for ecological integrity. Our exemplary study appreciates scientific basis and truly ecological notion, and urgently advocates comprehensive and continuous basin-scale scientific investigation of fish biodiversity, and “ecological river”-oriented conservation and restoration action for the Yangtze River Basin and broader areas of China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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12 pages, 2194 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

First Captive Breeding Program for the Endangered Pyrenean Sculpin (Cottus hispaniolensis Bacescu-Master, 1964)

by Joan Manubens, Oriol Comas, Núria Valls and Lluís Benejam

Water 2020, 12(11), 2986; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12112986 - 24 Oct 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2699

Abstract

The strong decline of freshwater fish species in Europe implies that further ex-situ conservation plans should be implemented in the near future. The present study reflects our experience with the Pyrenean sculpin (Cottus hispaniolensis Bacescu-Mester, 1964)—a small cottid endemic to the Hispano-French [...] Read more.

The strong decline of freshwater fish species in Europe implies that further ex-situ conservation plans should be implemented in the near future. The present study reflects our experience with the Pyrenean sculpin (Cottus hispaniolensis Bacescu-Mester, 1964)—a small cottid endemic to the Hispano-French Garona River basin. In recent years, the Spanish Pyrenean sculpin population has reached a limit situation. Because of that, the non-profit association ADEFFA—with support from the public administration—started the first captive breeding program for this species in 2006. Fourteen years later, this study presents the results and evaluates the different steps of the program, with the aim of discussing and improving the ex-situ conservation plans for this and other cold freshwater species. There is a description and a comparison between six consecutive phases during the captive breeding process: nesting behaviour, courtship, egg fixation, parental care (incubation), hatching and survival during juvenile development. The purposes of this project are to: (1) identify the most determining phases for a successful captive breeding; (2) identify the factors that had a major influence to the success of the critical phases; and (3) increase the number of the offspring. This study is based on thirty-three wild individuals collected from Garona River (Val d’Aran, Spanish Pyrenees). During the program, twelve couples spawned in captive conditions, with around 2300 eggs laid. Eight couples bred successfully, with 751 hatched individuals and 608 juveniles reared. The analysis of each step of the captive breeding does not reveal significant differences between phases, so it can be concluded that they are all critical at the same level. In the literature, similar study-cases of captive breeding programs identify incubation and survival phases as the most critical. Consequently, the management made for this project has probably allowed to overcome in part the main impediments described in other similar programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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21 pages, 6659 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Fish Stock Status in Lake Trichonis: A Hydroacoustic Approach

by Triantafyllia-Maria Perivolioti, Jaroslava Frouzova, Michal Tušer and Dimitra Bobori

Water 2020, 12(6), 1823; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12061823 - 25 Jun 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3138

Abstract

Fish stock monitoring is an important element for the sustainable management of inland water resources. A scarcity of data and the lack of systematic monitoring for Lake Trichonis precludes an up-to-date assessment. To assess the current status of pelagic fish stock, a hydroacousting [...] Read more.

Fish stock monitoring is an important element for the sustainable management of inland water resources. A scarcity of data and the lack of systematic monitoring for Lake Trichonis precludes an up-to-date assessment. To assess the current status of pelagic fish stock, a hydroacousting survey was conducted for the first time in Lake Trichonis, Greece. In October 2019, the lake was acoustically surveyed with two, horizontally and vertically mounted, 120 kHz transducers during day and night. A decreasing gradient in pelagic fish density from the western to the eastern shores of the lake was observed. Fish density was significantly higher in the intermediate layers of the water column, in the eastern region, compared to the western region. The lake appears to host primarily communities of small-sized fish (TL: 0–5 cm), whereas larger fish (TL: 5–50 cm) are a small minority of the total fish stock. The overall average estimated fish length was approximately 2.4 cm. The adoption of routine inland fish stock monitoring through hydroacoustic methods could be a promising step in the effort to improve the understanding of unique inland water ecosystems with minimum impact on endemic species, as well as to mitigate human impact and achieve long-term sustainable management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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17 pages, 1468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in the Fish Community of a Western Caribbean Estuary after the Expansion of an Artificial Channel to the Sea

by Juan J. Schmitter-Soto and Roberto L. Herrera-Pavón

Water 2019, 11(12), 2582; https://doi.org/10.3390/w11122582 - 06 Dec 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2960

Abstract

Increased connectivity between coastal lagoons and the sea is expected to entail a greater proportion of marine species in the former. Chetumal Bay, estuary of the Hondo river into the Caribbean, had a limited access to the sea until the opening of the [...] Read more.

Increased connectivity between coastal lagoons and the sea is expected to entail a greater proportion of marine species in the former. Chetumal Bay, estuary of the Hondo river into the Caribbean, had a limited access to the sea until the opening of the Zaragoza Canal. We sought changes in the fish community from 1999–2001 (just after an expansion of the canal) to 2015–2018. The same fishing gear was used, in the same localities, during all seasons. Total fish abundance and mean local richness decreased, although total abundance increased in the polyhaline zone. Diversity was greater in the oligohaline zone in 1999–2001, and in the mesohaline zone in 2015–2018. Three guilds were absent in 2015–2018: Medium-sized herbivores, large piscivores, and medium-sized planktivores. Abundance of small benthivores decreased by decade; medium-sized piscivores and small planktivores became more abundant in 2015–2018 in the polyhaline zone. These changes may be due to the opening of the channel, but illegal fishing outside the bay may explain the decrease in juveniles of large piscivores, and erosion in the innermost part may be destroying important habitats. Our findings can be a reference for similar situations, as coastal development and climate change interact and affect tropical estuaries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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12 pages, 4556 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hepatic Steatosis in a Bullhead (Cottus gobio) Population from a High-Mountain Lake (Carnic Alps): Adaptation to an Extreme Ecosystem?

by Paolo Pastorino, Marino Prearo, Elisabetta Pizzul, Marco Bertoli, Danila Raffaella Francese, Vasco Menconi, Davide Mugetti, Elena Bozzetta and Katia Varello

Water 2019, 11(12), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/w11122570 - 05 Dec 2019

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3145

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe liver alterations observed in a bullhead (Cottus gobio) population from a high-mountain lake (Dimon Lake; 1857 m a.s.l.) located in Carnic Alps (Northeast Italy). Two fish sampling campaigns (summer and autumn) were performed [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to describe liver alterations observed in a bullhead (Cottus gobio) population from a high-mountain lake (Dimon Lake; 1857 m a.s.l.) located in Carnic Alps (Northeast Italy). Two fish sampling campaigns (summer and autumn) were performed in 2017 to explore the possible causes of this phenomenon. In addition, to investigate the typical liver features of C. gobio, control specimens were captured from Degano Creek in the same seasons. Total length, weight, and liver weight were recorded in fish from both sampling sites. In addition, Fulton’s condition factor (K) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were calculated. Stomach contents were also analyzed. Liver from each specimen was sampled, and histological examination was carried out. Liver steatosis (L) (nuclear displacement and cytoplasm vacuolization) were histologically evaluated by assigning a semiquantitative severity score. A significant difference in L was found between Dimon Lake and Degano Creek in both summer (Mann–Whitney test; p = 0.0001) and autumn (Mann–Whitney test; p < 0.0001). Regarding HSI, a significant difference was also recorded between Dimon Lake and Degano Creek in summer (Mann–Whitney test; p < 0.0001) and also in autumn (Mann–Whitney test; p < 0.0001), but no seasonal change in K values was recorded between the two sites in both summer (Mann–Whitney test; p = 0.8589) and autumn (Mann–Whitney test; p = 0.6415). A significant positive correlation between HSI and L was found (ρS 0.573). The causes of this abnormality might be related to adaptation by the fish to the high-altitude environment, accumulating lipids in the liver to tackle the adverse season, which lasts for 6 months of the year. Nonetheless, our study does not preclude steatosis induced by a nearly exclusive chironomids diet in bullhead from Dimon Lake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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22 pages, 3988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Otolith Readability and Reproducibility of Counts of Translucent Zones Using Different Otolith Preparation Methods for Four Endemic Labeobarbus Species in Lake Tana, Ethiopia

by Shewit Gebremedhin, Karen Bekaert, Abebe Getahun, Stijn Bruneel, Wassie Anteneh, Peter Goethals and Els Torreele

Water 2019, 11(7), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/w11071336 - 28 Jun 2019

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3056

Abstract

The analysis of fish age data is vital for the successful conservation of fish. Attempts to develop optimal management strategies for effective conservation of the endemic Labeobarbus species are strongly affected by the lack of accurate age estimates. Although methodological studies are key [...] Read more.

The analysis of fish age data is vital for the successful conservation of fish. Attempts to develop optimal management strategies for effective conservation of the endemic Labeobarbus species are strongly affected by the lack of accurate age estimates. Although methodological studies are key to acquiring a good insight into the age of fishes, up to now, there have not been any studies comparing different methods for these species. Thus, this study aimed at determining the best method for the endemic Labeobarbus species. Samples were collected from May 2016 to April 2017. Asteriscus otoliths from 150 specimens each of L. intermedius, L. tsanensis, L. platydorsus, and L. megastoma were examined. Six methods were evaluated; however, only three methods resulted in readable images. The procedure in which whole otoliths were first submerged in water, and subsequently placed in glycerol to take the image (MO1), was generally best. Except for L. megastoma, this method produced the clearest image as both the coefficient of variation and average percentage error between readers were lowest. Furthermore, except for L. megastoma, MO1 had high otolith readability and no systematic bias. Therefore, we suggest that MO1 should be used as the standard otolith preparation technique for the first three species, while for L. megastoma, other preparation techniques should be evaluated. This study provides a reference for researchers from Africa, particularly Ethiopia, to develop a suitable otolith preparation method for the different tropical fish species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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Review

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20 pages, 2814 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Scientific Methods to Understand Fish Population Dynamics and Support Sustainable Fisheries Management

by Shewit Gebremedhin, Stijn Bruneel, Abebe Getahun, Wassie Anteneh and Peter Goethals

Water 2021, 13(4), 574; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13040574 - 23 Feb 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 12701

Abstract

Fisheries play a significant role in the livelihoods of the world population, while the dependence on fisheries is acute in developing countries. Fisheries are consequently a critical element for meeting the sustainable development (SDG) and FAO goals to reduce poverty, hunger and improve [...] Read more.

Fisheries play a significant role in the livelihoods of the world population, while the dependence on fisheries is acute in developing countries. Fisheries are consequently a critical element for meeting the sustainable development (SDG) and FAO goals to reduce poverty, hunger and improve health and well-being. However, 90% of global marine fish stocks are fully or over-exploited. The amount of biologically unsustainable stocks increased from 10% in 1975 to 33% in 2015. Freshwater ecosystems are the most endangered ecosystems and freshwater fish stocks are worldwide in a state of crisis. The continuous fish stock decline indicates that the world is still far from achieving SDG 14 (Life Below Water), FAO’s Blue Growth Initiative goal and SDG 15 (Life on Land, including freshwater systems). Failure to effectively manage world fish stocks can have disastrous effects on biodiversity and the livelihoods and socio-economic conditions of millions of people. Therefore, management strategies that successfully conserve the stocks and provide optimal sustainable yields are urgently needed. However, successful management is only possible when the necessary data are obtained and decision-makers are well informed. The main problem for the management of fisheries, particularly in developing countries, is the lack of information on the past and current status of the fish stocks. Sound data collection and validation methods are, therefore, important. Stock assessment models, which support sustainable fisheries, require life history traits as input parameters. In order to provide accurate estimates of these life history traits, standardized methods for otolith preparation and validation of the rate of growth zone deposition are essential. This review aims to assist researchers and fisheries managers, working on marine and freshwater fish species, in understanding concepts and processes related to stock assessment and population dynamics. Although most examples and case studies originate from developing countries in the African continent, the review remains of great value to many other countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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Other

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11 pages, 685 KiB

Open AccessShort Communication

Interpopulation Variability in Dietary Traits of Invasive Bleak Alburnus alburnus (Actinopterygii, Cyprinidae) Across the Iberian Peninsula

by Dani Latorre, Guillem Masó, Arlo Hinckley, David Verdiell-Cubedo, Gema Castillo-García, Anni G. González-Rojas, Erin N. Black-Barbour, Anna Vila-Gispert, Emili García-Berthou, Rafael Miranda, Francisco J. Oliva-Paterna, Ana Ruiz-Navarro, Eduardo da Silva, Carlos Fernández-Delgado, Julien Cucherousset, José M. Serrano and David Almeida

Water 2020, 12(8), 2200; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12082200 - 05 Aug 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3168

Abstract

The bleak Alburnus alburnus is native to most of Europe. This cyprinid fish is a successful invader in the Iberian Peninsula. No studies exist on its foraging strategies on a large scale for this ecoregion. The aim of the present study was to [...] Read more.

The bleak Alburnus alburnus is native to most of Europe. This cyprinid fish is a successful invader in the Iberian Peninsula. No studies exist on its foraging strategies on a large scale for this ecoregion. The aim of the present study was to compare dietary traits of invasive bleak among the main Iberian rivers and a ‘reference’ native bleak population from France. Bleak were sampled during May–June 2019 from the Iberian Rivers Ebro, Tagus, Guadiana, Segura and Guadalquivir and the River Saône (France). Diptera larvae and zooplankton were common food categories in the River Saône. Insect nymphs were more important in the River Ebro. The intake of plant material was higher in the River Tagus. Flying insects were more consumed in the River Guadiana. Nektonic insects were important in the River Guadalquivir. Detritus was a frequent food category for all populations, in terms of occurrence and mass. Dietary parameters followed a unimodal response in relation to the latitudinal gradient, with the maximum values for the Tagus and Guadiana populations. Overall, results suggest that this wide interpopulation variability will contribute to the species’ successful establishment throughout Mediterranean Europe, which poses a serious risk to its highly valuable native fish fauna. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes Biodiversity)

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