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Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish

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A special issue of Diversity (ISSN 1424-2818). This special issue belongs to the section "Freshwater Biodiversity".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 April 2023) | Viewed by 25715

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Special Issue Editor

Dr. Luis Moreira Da Costa

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Guest Editor

MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: freshwater fishes; taxonomy; conservation; biogeography; phylogeny

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

With over 15,000 species, the freshwater fish are a highly diverse group. Although this group is an essential source of food worldwide, our current knowledge on freshwater fish taxonomy and distribution is still incomplete. However, such data are crucial for conservation and policy makers, since about one-third of all listed freshwater fish species are considered threatened. It is also fundamental to be aware of and understand the impacts and threats that non-indigenous species bring to native species and habitats.

Complementarily, biogeographic approaches are important to understand (historical vs. current) distribution patterns of freshwater fish families and species. Indeed, freshwater fish are key indicators for delineating biogeographical maps worldwide.

This Special Issue aims to provide new contributions on freshwater fish around the world, with a focus on taxonomic, conservation, phylogeny, and biogeographic aspects. Short communications, research papers and reviews are all welcome.

Dr. Moreira da Costa Luis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diversity is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

freshwater fish
biodiversity
biogeography
taxonomy and systematics
native species
non-indigenous species

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 10823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Genetic and Ecological Approaches to Introduced Populations of Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus) in Southwestern Europe

by Angela Lambea-Camblor, Felipe Morcillo, Jesús Muñoz and Anabel Perdices

Diversity 2023, 15(10), 1059; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d15101059 - 02 Oct 2023

Viewed by 981

Abstract

Freshwater systems are among the most affected by the introduction of exotic species. The pumpkinseed sunfish Lepomis gibbosus, a centrarchid native to eastern North America, is listed among the top ten introduced freshwater fishes with the greatest ecological impact globally. Despite this, genetic and evolutionary studies of the species are still scarce. Here, we analyzed the genetic variability of introduced populations of L. gibbosus using three mitochondrial genes (COI, d-loop, and ND1). In addition, we used species distribution modeling to compare the niche of introduced versus native populations to assess the present and potential future distribution of the species under different climate change scenarios. Compared with the native populations, introduced ones present a lower level of genetic variability, indicating these populations originated from a small number of individuals from the native (Atlantic) population in the USA and Canada. The low variability was likely driven by a founder effect and subsequent bottleneck, as often occurs in invasive species. Our modeling results suggest not only that L. gibbosus modified its niche during the invasion process in Europe but also the possible global expansion of the species under future climatic conditions, which could facilitate its establishment in almost all continents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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52 pages, 20200 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two New Shellear Species (Gonorhynchiformes: Kneriidae), from the Luansa River (Upper Congo Basin): Hidden Diversity Revealed by Integrative Taxonomy

by Lewis Ngoy Kalumba, Emmanuel Abwe, Frederic D. B. Schedel, Auguste Chocha Manda, Ulrich K. Schliewen and Emmanuel J. W. M. N. Vreven

Diversity 2023, 15(10), 1044; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d15101044 - 28 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2664

Abstract

Two new Kneria species, K. luansaensis sp. nov. and K. maxi sp. nov., are described from the Luansa River, a left bank tributary of the lower Luapula in the Bangweulu–Mweru ecoregion, based on an integrative approach using morphological and COI barcoding evidence. While K. luansaensis sp. nov. occurs from the source of the Luansa further downstream to above the last of the three Sanshifolo Falls, K. maxi sp. nov. only occurs downstream of all these three major falls. In Kneria, males of about ≥ 33 mm L_S have an opercular and a postopercular organ. The number of lamellae on the latter seems to contain some alpha-taxonomic information, although this requires further study as allometric changes occur at about ≤ 45 mm L_S. Additional external morphological characters differ between sexes, i.e., the (i) pectoral fin width (wider in males than females), (ii) dorsal fin height (longer in males than females), and (iii) length of the longest ray of the lower caudal fin lobe (longer in males than females). Agriculture, fishing with ichthyotoxines, and logging are the most pressing threats on the Luansa and thus to both the new species. Their discovery in one of the rivers of the Kundelungu Plateau and its surroundings located outside the present-day boundaries of the Kundelungu National Park highlights the need for a refined and improved protection strategy for this freshwater key biodiversity area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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23 pages, 2102 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fish Diversity in Relation to Littoral Habitats in Three Basins of Lake Kivu (East Africa)

by Tchalondawa Kisekelwa, Wilondja Alimasi, Lutete Mazambi, Grite N. Mwaijengo, Lwikitcha Hyangya, Heri Muzungu, Mudagi Joyeuse, Amani Lubala, Musombwa Kubota, Alfred Wüest, Amisi Muvundja and Mulungula Masilya

Diversity 2023, 15(9), 1014; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d15091014 - 12 Sep 2023

Viewed by 3459

Abstract

In total, 28 of the 29 fish species reported from the Lake Kivu basin occur in the littoral zone of the lake, but information about their structure, occurrence, and the habitats affecting their distribution is largely lacking. The lake’s inshore area is poorly heterogenous, with rock and macrophyte habitats representing the major habitats. The lack of heterogeneity in the habitats is probably an important factor influencing species richness, abundance, and the association between the species and habitats. We evaluated the fish diversity, abundance, and habitat parameters across 14 sites representing the major habitats of the lake, using data collected between April 2018 and October 2019. We calculated Hull and Jaccard indices and applied uni- and multivariate statistical approaches to the collected data. We identified 18 fish species in the lake. In the north, 17 species were found, with high abundance in rocky sites but low abundance in sandy habitats. In the south, 15 species were reported. We identified 12 species in the Ishungu Basin where the site with rock substrate had high abundance and 13 species in the Bukavu Basin with weak species richness and low abundance across degraded sites. Lamprichthys tanganicanus, a non-native species, was abundant in rocky (north) and macrophyte sites (south). Sand, rock, conductivity, depth, dissolved oxygen, and water transparency were significant parameters that could explain the fish distribution in the north while dissolved oxygen, vegetation cover, depth, and conductivity were significant in the south. A monitoring programme of the fish fauna in Lake Kivu is needed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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35 pages, 6059 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Upemba National Park (Upper Congo Basin, DR Congo): An Updated Checklist Confirming Its Status as an African Fish Biodiversity Hotspot

by Bauchet Katemo Manda, Jos Snoeks, Auguste Chocha Manda, Emmanuel Abwe, Christian Mukweze Mulelenu, Micheline Kasongo Ilunga Kayaba, Pacifique Kiwele Mutambala, Lewis Ngoy Kalumba and Emmanuel J. W. M. N. Vreven

Diversity 2023, 15(9), 966; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d15090966 - 26 Aug 2023

Viewed by 3722

Abstract

An annotated checklist of the ichthyofauna of the Upemba National Park, draining part of the Upper Lualaba basin and situated in the southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is presented, based on a literature review, a re-examination of museum collections, and a study of recent collections (2012–2020). In total, 247 native and 1 introduced species, Heterotis niloticus, are reported. The native species belong to 78 genera, 26 families, and 15 orders. Of these, 45 species (18%) are endemic to the park, 35 species (14%) await formal description, and 5 taxa (2%) need further study to clarify their status. With 51 species, the Cyprinidae is by far the most species-rich family, followed by the Mormyridae (26), Mochokidae (26), Alestidae (18), Distichodontidae (18), Amphiliidae (17), and Cichlidae (16). The remaining families are represented by less than 15 species. Comments about the species distribution and the fish fauna shared with adjacent ecoregions are provided. Although the park provides some protection for the fish species living within its borders by limiting human access to the core zone, the annex and buffer zones are both subject to strong anthropogenic pressure. These observations underscore the need for the implementation and further elaboration of fish-related preservation guidelines and plans to enable better protection/conservation of the park’s ichthyofauna. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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13 pages, 2119 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Ecosystem Carrying Capacity for Romanichthys valsanicola, a Critically Endangered Freshwater Fish Endemic to Romania, with Considerations upon Trophic Offer and Behavioral Density

by Laurenţiu Burlacu, Gyorgy Deak, Mădălina Boboc, Marius Raischi, Elena Holban, Isabela Sadîca and Abdulhusein Jawdhari

Diversity 2023, 15(6), 748; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d15060748 - 06 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1226

Abstract

The most recent assessment (2008) of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classified Romanichthys valsanicola as critically endangered (CR). In December 2022, an expert team from the National Institute for Research and Development in Environmental Protection Bucharest investigated the presence of the species in historical locations and in other potential sites. The authors correlated public data to the actual habitat area to calculate the potential species density in relation to the specific territorial behavior. The ecological carrying capacity was represented by the consensus between the behavioral density limitations and the trophic limitations of the actual species potential habitat. Both trophic availability and populational density present encouragingly high values for the sculpin perch in the Valsan River, indicating that the natural habitat could host a considerably higher number of individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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37 pages, 8289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Checklist of the Fishes of the Kundelungu National Park (Upper Congo Basin, DR Congo): Species Diversity and Endemicity of a Poorly Known Ichthyofauna

by Emmanuel Abwe, Jos Snoeks, Bauchet Katemo Manda, Pacifique Kiwele Mutambala, Lewis Ngoy Kalumba, Pedro H. N. Bragança, Kamwanya Kipanga, Christian Mukweze Mulelenu, Micheline Kasongo Ilunga Kayaba, Auguste Chocha Manda and Emmanuel J. W. M. N. Vreven

Diversity 2023, 15(2), 259; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d15020259 - 12 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4600

Abstract

The fish diversity of the Kundelungu National Park (KNP), one of the seven national parks of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has never been thoroughly studied. This first checklist is presented based on a literature compilation and the study of historical (1939–1969) and recent collections (2012–2017). A total of 96 taxa are reported, including 64 native described species, one introduced species (Poecilia reticulata), 13 new species that await formal description and 18 possibly new species that require further investigation to verify their status. These taxa represent 39 genera and 17 families from the KNP including its Buffer Zone (BZ). Only six taxa, including five endemics, are known from the Core Zone on the Kundelungu Plateau (1300–1700 m alt.). At lower altitudes (800–1100 m), in the Annex Zone, 71 taxa, including 17 endemics, were found. Finally, 50 taxa, including 13 endemics and one introduced species, are known from its BZ. The fish fauna of the KNP is threatened by overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and habitat degradation due to mining pollution, and deforestation for agriculture on the river banks. The present study provides the much needed baseline data for the protection and conservation planning of this fish fauna, for which conservation suggestions are formulated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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15 pages, 1145 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inventory of the Ichthyofauna of the Mpem and Djim National Park (Center, Cameroon) Provides Baseline Data for a Conservation Project

by Samuel D. Njom, Arnold R. Bitja Nyom, Bassirou Hassan, Jean P. Bissek, Leah Bêche, Antoine Pariselle and Charles F. Bilong Bilong

Diversity 2022, 14(12), 1029; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d14121029 - 24 Nov 2022

Viewed by 1109

Abstract

The intense anthropization of the Sanaga basin requires an acceleration of research on biodiversity and the conservation of its aquatic resources. In this framework, the ichthyofauna of the Mpem and Djim National Park (MpDNP) has been inventoried for the first time. The fish were sampled from 2017 to 2021 using diverse experimental fishing gears. A total of 79 species classified into 39 genera, 14 families, and 8 orders have been identified in the MpDNP. This ichthyofauna represents 46.7% of the 169 freshwater fish species known in the Sanaga basin. It contains 15 (62.5%) of the 24 endemic species reported in this basin, among them two Endangered and three Vulnerable species known on the IUCN Red List. Furthermore, two non-indigenous species have been inventoried. Siluriformes (36%) and Characiformes (22%) are the most represented in the MpDNP. It is suggested that the issues for conservation in this park must be focused as a priority on 15 endemic species, which may be ranged into two national protection classes A (5) and B (10), then on those in class C, which will be identified posteriorly as supplementary priorities for the offset of the residual impacts of the Nachtigal upstream hydropower plant development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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30 pages, 5152 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disentangling the Diversity of the Labeobarbus Taxa (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Epulu Basin (DR Congo, Africa)

by Eva Decru, Jos Snoeks, Albert Walanga and Emmanuel J. W. M. N. Vreven

Diversity 2022, 14(12), 1022; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d14121022 - 24 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1449

Abstract

In an attempt to disentangle the complex taxonomy of the Labeobarbus species of the Epulu River, a right bank headwater affluent of the Aruwimi, Central Congo basin, a morphological study was undertaken on 221 specimens from the Epulu and 32 type specimens. As a result, five different species have been distinguished, including four so-called rubberlips, L. caudovittatus, L. macroceps, L. mawambiensis, and L. sp. ‘thick lip’, and one chiselmouth, L. longidorsalis. While rubberlips have a curved mouth with well-developed lips and often a mental lobe, chiselmouths have a straight mouth with a keratinised cutting edge on the lower jaw. Among the specimens examined, several presented an intermediate mouth morphology between L. mawambiensis and L. longidorsalis, either with one or two pairs of barbels. One specimen exhibited an intermediate morphology between L. mawambiensis and L. macroceps. This morphological study, complemented with a molecular study of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (cyt b), suggests that these intermediates are probably hybrid specimens. The Epulu case is reminiscent to a case of possible hybridisation recently discovered in the Inkisi River (Lower Congo basin), but differs in having a lower relative abundance of hybrid specimens in the population, and in phylogenetic patterns. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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19 pages, 3183 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Freshwater Fish Biodiversity in a Large Mediterranean Basin (Guadalquivir River, S Spain): Patterns, Threats, Status and Conservation

by Pedro Sáez-Gómez and José Prenda

Diversity 2022, 14(10), 831; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d14100831 - 03 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2165

Abstract

The Guadalquivir River Basin is one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula and has a remarkable freshwater biodiversity. Although many studies on hydrological regimes or water quality have been conducted in this basin the biodiversity of freshwater fish, as well as their distribution and conservation status, has never been globally addressed as in other Iberian basins. In this context, we synthesized information on freshwater fish using field procedures and a bibliographic search. Fish distribution patterns at different spatial scales and general environmental conditions were analyzed as well as the conservation status of the fish community. We documented the presence of 40 species (20 native and 20 exotic) in the basin during the 20th century until today. However, we only captured 18 species during the field sampling, with a prevalence for any native species of less than 23% (except Luciobarbus sclateri). The highest species richness was found in mid reaches, while the lower reaches had very low diversity values. Around 50% of species are threatened; according to the IUCN, several species are declining at an alarming rate and others are probably extinct and/or their current status is unknown. Human disturbances during the last few decades have caused serious changes in fish distribution and consequently to their conservation status. Hydrological alterations, intensive agriculture and introduced species are probably the principal reasons for Guadalquivir’s ichthyofauna imperilment. Our study indicates an urgent and real need to identify important areas for fish conservation to guarantee a minimum fish biodiversity conservation over the long term, as well as effective strategies for fish recovery where it still is possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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20 pages, 1710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inventory and Ecological Characterization of Ichthyofauna of Nine Lakes in the Adamawa Region (Northern Cameroon, Central Africa)

by Hermann I. Kitio, Arnold R. Bitja Nyom, Antoine Pariselle and Charles F. Bilong Bilong

Diversity 2022, 14(9), 770; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d14090770 - 17 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1595

Abstract

The fish diversity of the Adamawa lakes is among the most undocumented in Northern Cameroon. Faced with this lack of knowledge, an inventory of ichthyofauna and habitats characterization was conducted in nine lakes. Seven lakes (Assom, Gegouba, Massote, Mbalang, Ngaoundaba, Piou and Tizong) are located in the Sanaga Basin and two (Bini and Dang) are located in the Lake Chad Basin. In order to assess the composition and variation in fish assemblage, eight sampling campaigns were carried out seasonally between 2017 and 2018; they revealed 26 species of fish distributed in 6 orders, 9 families and 16 genera. Communities in Lakes Assom (13 species) and Bini (9 species) were the most diverse. Omnivorous (42.3%) and spawners in open water or on substrates of sand, gravel, rock or plants (69.2%) were the most represented. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling, analysis of similarities (ANOSIM), and similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER) revealed that fish species composition differed significantly among lakes. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) identified temperature, pH, TDS, and conductivity as variables explaining the most variation in fish species. The presence of four endemic species in the Sanaga Basin in lakes Assom, Gegouba, Massote and Piou, shows that these lakes stand out as hotspots for conservation due to the uniqueness of their ichthyofauna. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 1916 KiB

Open AccessReview

Exploring the Research Landscape of Endemic Catadromous Fishes: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Study and PRISMA Review

by Lekima K. F. Copeland, Brian L. Stockwell and Susanna Piovano

Diversity 2023, 15(7), 825; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/d15070825 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1231

Abstract

Catadromous species are a common component of riverine ecosystems in island nations in the South Pacific; however, the bulk of these species remain poorly explored. This study sought to offer a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature on endemic and catadromous fishes using the PRISMA approach. We examined 317 documents from 106 sources between 1952 and 2022. These documents were written by a total of 595 authors with an average citation per document of 22.95. During this time span, 66 of 106 journal sources produced fewer than one article. Growth was slowest in the first 20 years (1952–1972) and peaked in 2005, accounting for 5.68% (18 documents) of the total of research papers across the study period. Our study documents a rise in scientific research on endemic and catadromous fishes in developing nations and regions. The data can be used by researchers, policymakers, and conservation managers to identify study gaps and trends in the field of endemic and catadromous fish studies. This study’s primary contribution is a comprehensive analysis of the available literature that indicates research trends and gaps and potential future research pathways. The implementation of the bibliometric approaches utilized in this analysis can serve as a model for various research fields globally, including countries in the South Pacific. This broadened scope allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the research environment, ultimately leading to enhanced management and conservation of various biological groups. While the focus of this study was on endemic catadromous fish species, the application of this methodology extends beyond this group, providing valuable insights into a wide range of taxa. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity and Biogeography of Freshwater Fish)

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