Distribution Of Freshwater Fishes Research Articles

FRESHWATER FISH DISTRIBUTION

With more than 29,000 species, fishes are the most diverse group of vertebrates on the planet. Of that number, more than 12,000 species are found in freshwater ecosystems, which occupy less than 1 percent of the Earth's surface and contain only 2.4 percent of plant and animal species. But, on a hectare-for-hectare basis, freshwater ecosystems are richer in species than more extensive terrestrial and marine habitats. Examination of the distribution patterns of fishes in these fresh waters reveals much about continental movements and climate changes and has long been critical to biogeographical studies and research in ecology and evolution. Tim M. Berra's seminal resource, "Freshwater Fish Distribution", maps the 169 fish families that swim in fresh water around the world. Each family account includes the class, subclass, and order; a pronunciation guide to the family name; life cycle information; and interesting natural history facts. Each account is illustrated, many with historical nineteenth-century woodcuts. Now available in paperback, this heavily cited work in ichthyology and biogeography will serve as a reference for students, a research support for professors, and a helpful guide for tropical fish hobbyists and anglers.

Freshwater fish distribution

Previous article No AccessFreshwater fish distributionNoel M. BurkheadNoel M. BurkheadUS Geological Survey Florida Caribbean Science Center Gainesville, Florida Search for more articles by this author US Geological Survey Florida Caribbean Science Center Gainesville, FloridaPDFPDF PLUSFull Text Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Volume 21, Number 4December 2002 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.2307/1468443 Views: 11Total views on this site Journal History This article was published in the Journal of the North American Benthological Society (1986-2011), which is continued by Freshwater Science (2012-present). © 2002 by The North American Benthological SocietyPDF download Crossref reports no articles citing this article.

On the distributional patterns of Southeast‐East Asian freshwater fish and their history

Abstract Aim The extensively published data on Southeast‐East Asian freshwater fish communities and distributions were compiled and expressed into phenograms.Location River basins of Southeast China, the Indochinese Peninsula and Sundaland were studied and compared for possible lineages.Methods The Hennig86 program was employed to cluster the basins of the various subregions on the basis of their similarity in fish assemblages. In this cluster analysis, the outgroup comparison method was used, in which a reference was based on which to make corrections for unequal rates of evolution among the lineages.Results South‐eastern China, the Indochinese Peninsula and Sundaland are groups of landmass that share a common ancestor and that evolved at distinct epochs and through different geological processes, as shown from the association between the distribution of freshwater fish of Southeast‐East Asia and the twenty‐one river basins they inhabit.Main conclusions Southeast‐East Asia comprises an estimated 3500 cyprinid species. The phenograms obtained, based on their compositional and distributional patterns, suggest that the riverine fish communities of the area studied fall into nineteen biogeographical zones defined by the main river systems and their underlying geology.

Accumulating evidence for a dispersal biogeography of southern cool temperate freshwater fishes

AimThis paper seeks to understand the biogeography of southern cool temperate freshwater fishes in the context of diverse aspects of their natural history.LocationThe fish families discussed are found widely in southern cool temperate lands: in Australia, New Zealand, Patagonian South America and southern Africa, as well as some of the smaller, remote southern oceanic islands.MethodsThe review is based on literature and primarily examines the association between distribution patterns and diadromous (sea‐migratory) life histories.ResultsThe broad distribution of freshwater fishes of the lamprey families Geotriidae and Mordaciidae and the salmoniform Galaxiidae and Retropinnidae in the southern cool temperate zone, has caused prolonged perplexity and debate. Arguments in favour of both a dispersal biogeography and a Gondwana‐based vicariance biogeography have been presented. These are not necessarily alternatives.Main conclusionsEvidence from:1 Distribution patterns in relation to life‐history strategies;2 Genetics and morphology;3 Different elements in the New Zealand fauna and their relationships;4 Recent dispersal events;5 Geological history of the Falkland Islands and the relationships of its freshwater fishes; and6 Parasitology;all support, or are consistent with, a dispersal biogeography of this southern cool temperate fauna. The groups involved are sufficiently ancient to have formerly inhabited Gondwana, but no compelling evidence indicates that present distributions reflect a former broad Gondwana‐based range. A role for dispersal in these fishes is consistent with increasingly common claims for dispersal in other taxa. This does not mean that there was no ancient influence from Gondwanan vicariance.

Biogeography of Australian freshwater fishes

AimTo investigate biogeographic patterns of obligate freshwater fishes.LocationAustralia.MethodsSimilarity indices, parsimony analysis, and drainage‐based plots of species’ ranges were used to identify patterns.ResultsRelationships among regions were deduced largely by concordance between methodologies, then summarized into a proposed series of faunal provinces.Main conclusionsThe most striking pattern was in the incidence of endemism across the continent. Provinces in southern, central, and western Australia have high numbers of endemic fishes, presumably resulting from isolation by aridity and drainage divides. With exception of one region, northern and eastern Australia provinces have few endemics, probably explained in the north by high drainage connectivity during times of lowered sea levels. This does not account for low endemism in the east because drainages appear to have remained isolated during lowered sea levels and patterns suggest an absence of distinct barriers of other kinds. By default, climate again seems the most probable cause of species’ distributional limits. Whatever the case, most patterns were almost certainly established in the distant past, perhaps as early as Miocene. Influences of Plio–Pleistocene events on broad patterns of freshwater fish distributions seem minimal.

Evolutionary implications of large-scale patterns in the ecology of Trinidadian guppies, Poecilia reticulata

Previous investigations of the guppy, Poecilia reticulata, in Trinidad have demonstrated rapid population differentiation at small geographic scales. However, most studies to date have focused on localities in Trinidad's Northern Range where barrier water falls mark sharp discontinuities in the selection regime and limit scope for gene flow. There is little information on the ecology of the guppy in the rest of the island even though its distribution amongst fish communities and habitats has important evolutionary implications. To determine how large-scale distribution patterns might affect the evolutionary potential of the guppy we surveyed 80 sites representative of a broad range of freshwater environments. We found guppies, which occurred in 80% of our samples, to be the most widely distributed freshwater fish in Trinidad. Guppies are common in predator-rich and turbid habitats, precisely those localities where female preferences are likely to be undermined. Moreover, the widespread distribution of this adaptable species, combined with its promiscuous mating system, may promote gene flow across geographical scales that transcend local selection regimes. These factors are likely to impede the evolution of reproductive isolation.

Evolutionary implications of large-scale patterns in the ecology of Trinidadian guppies, Poecilia reticulata

Previous investigations of the guppy, Poecilia reticulata, in Trinidad have demonstrated rapid population differentiation at small geographic scales. However, most studies to date have focused on localities in Trinidad's Northern Range where barrier water falls mark sharp discontinuities in the selection regime and limit scope for gene flow. There is little information on the ecology of the guppy in the rest of the island even though its distribution amongst fish communities and habitats has important evolutionary implications. To determine how large-scale distribution patterns might affect the evolutionary potential of the guppy we surveyed 80 sites representative of a broad range of freshwater environments. We found guppies, which occurred in 80% of our samples, to be the most widely distributed freshwater fish in Trinidad. Guppies are common in predator-rich and turbid habitats, precisely those localities where female preferences are likely to be undermined. Moreover, the widespread distribution of this adaptable species, combined with its promiscuous mating system, may promote gene flow across geographical scales that transcend local selection regimes. These factors are likely to impede the evolution of reproductive isolation.

Biogeography of a southern hemisphere freshwater fish: how important is marine dispersal?

Galaxias maculatus is one of the world's most widely distributed freshwater fish. This species has a marine-tolerant juvenile phase, and a geographical range extending through much of the southern hemisphere. We conducted phylogeographic analyses of 163 control region haplotypes of G. maculatus, including samples from New Zealand (five locations), Tasmania (one location) and Chile (one location). A lack of genetic structure among New Zealand samples suggests that marine dispersal facilitates considerable gene flow on an intra-continental scale. The discovery of a Tasmanian-like haplotype in one of 144 New Zealand samples indicates that inter-continental marine dispersal occurs but is insufficient to prevent mitochondrial DNA differentiation among continents. The sister relationship of Tasmanian and New Zealand clades implies that marine dispersal is an important biogeographical mechanism for this species. However, a vicariant role in the divergence of eastern and western Pacific G. maculatus cannot be rejected.

Diversity, Distribution, and Conservation Status of the Native Freshwater Fishes of the Southern United States

Abstract The Southeastern Fishes Council Technical Advisory Committee reviewed the diversity, distribution, and status of all native freshwater and diadromous fishes across 51 major drainage units of the southern United States. The southern United States supports more native fishes than any area of comparable size on the North American continent north of Mexico, but also has a high proportion of its fishes in need of conservation action. The review included 662 native freshwater and diadromous fishes and 24 marine fishes that are significant components of freshwater ecosystems. Of this total, 560 described, freshwater fish species are documented, and 49 undescribed species are included provisionally pending formal description. Described subspecies (86) are recognized within 43 species, 6 fishes have undescribed subspecies, and 9 others are recognized as complexes of undescribed taxa. Extinct, endangered, threatened, or vulnerable status is recognized for 28% (187 taxa) of southern freshwater and diadromou...

Distributions of freshwater fishes in ecoregions and hydroregions of Alaska

AbstractWe examined the spatial distributions of Alaskan freshwater fishes using 2 frameworks, ecoregions and hydroregions (catchments). Ecoregions are defined by climate, terrain, vegetation, and soils; their utility in explaining distributions of aquatic organisms is based upon terrestrial–aquatic linkages. Analysis of the probable dispersal of aquatic organisms along past and current hydroregions provides an alternative and likely complementary path to understanding distributions of aquatic organisms. We use published distribution records for freshwater fishes of Alaska to construct a matrix of presence/absence records for each fish species in ecoregions and hydroregions of Alaska. We assessed faunal similarities among ecoregions and hydroregions using the Jaccard index. Classification analyses (two-way indicator species analysis [TWINSPAN] and unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic averages [UPGMA] cluster analysis) were used to group ecoregions and hydroregions. Similarities of fish faunas wer...

Diversity and spatial distribution of freshwater fish in Great Lake and Tonle Sap river (Cambodia, Southeast Asia)

Fish catches around the Great Lake, Tonle Sap river and the transitional zone between the lake and the river were studied by professional `fishing lot' (i.e. fishing zone) from 1995 to 1997. One hundred and twenty species of fish, belonging to 26 families and nine different orders were recorded. Compared to previous studies (1936–1976), only 53 % of families, 32 % of genera and 54 % of species were collected by professional fishing lot. This important loss in biodiversity could have several causes: bias of sampling procedures between professional fishing and research sampling, overfishing, modification of the floodplain by deforestation, etc. The professional fishing data showed that Cypriniformes accounted for 41.6 % of the total number of individuals caught, the Cyprinidae family alone represented 40 species. Siluriformes made up 21.6 %, Perciformes 13.3 %, with six other orders represented by smaller numbers. Eighty-seven percent of the recorded species occur in both habitats depending on the season. Migration takes place from the Mekong river to the Great Lake through the Tonle Sap river at the beginning of the rainy season (May–October), and in the reverse direction at the start of the dry season (November–February). The majority of the species reproduce at the start of the rainy season (May–June) in the flooded plain and the forest floodplain of the Great Lake; the period, the place and the means of reproduction have not been closely studied, particularly for the Belontiformes, Clupeiformes, Synbranchiformes, Pleuronectiformes and Tetraodontiformes. Multivariate analysis of fishing data (November–February) shows three distinct communities: that of the lake (Perciformes and Siluriformes), of the river (Pleuronectiformes, Cypriniformes, Clupeiformes and Siluriformes), and of the transitional zone formed from the principal channel, the old river channel and the oxbow lakes (Cypriniformes, Siluriformes and Osteoglossiformes).

Genetic divergence and phylogeographic relationships among european perch (Perca fluviatilis) populations reflect glacial refugia and postglacial colonization.

We used the widely distributed freshwater fish, perch (Perca fluviatilis), to investigate the postglacial colonization routes of freshwater fishes in Europe. Genetic variability within and among drainages was assessed using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequencing and RAPD markers from 55 populations all over Europe as well as one Siberian population. High level of structuring for both markers was observed among drainages and regions, while little differentiation was seen within drainages and regions. Phylogeographic relationships among European perch were determined from the distribution of 35 mtDNA haplotypes detected in the samples. In addition to a distinct southern European group, which includes a Greek and a southern Danubian population, three major groups of perch are observed: the western European drainages, the eastern European drainages including the Siberian population, and Norwegian populations from northern Norway, and western side of Oslofjord. Our data suggest that present perch populations in western and northern Europe were colonized from three main refugia, located in southeastern, northeastern and western Europe. In support of this, nested cladistic analysis of mtDNA clade and nested clade distances suggested historical range expansion as the main factor determining geographical distribution of haplotypes. The Baltic Sea has been colonized from all three refugia, and northeastern Europe harbours descendants from both eastern European refugia. In the upper part of the Danube lineages from the western European and the southern European refugia meet. The southern European refugium probably did not contribute to the recolonization of other western and northern European drainages after the last glaciation. However, phylogenetic analyses suggest that the southern European mtDNA lineage is the most ancient, and therefore likely to be the founder of all present perch lineages. The colonization routes used by perch probably also apply to other freshwater species with similar distribution patterns.

Distribution Patterns of Indigenous Freshwater Fishes in the Tagus River Basin, Spain

Classification and ordination methods used to examine the internal complexity of the Mediterranean Tagus River catchment based on fish distribution revealed that it is not a homogeneous biogeographical unit. The indigenous fishes analyzed in this study are distributed through the basin forming geographical communities (chorotypes), some of which are associated with environmental factors like river morphology, water quality or geographical location. Nevertheless, 40% of the variation in species occurrence remains unexplained by either environmental or geographical variables, suggesting that historical factors may influence the freshwater fish distribution patterns. Three main biogeographical areas, delimited by significant boundaries, were identified. Two of them are identified as the upper and the middle-lower basins of the Tagus River catchment; the third corresponds to the Alagon River and seems to be linked to historical factors of the catchment.

Freshwater fish of the Wilderness National Park

The study aimed to determine the distribution and relative abundance of freshwater fish in the Wilderness National Park. Fish assemblages in the Touw and Duiwe rivers were sampled in 1997 and 1998, with a total of 327 fish from nine species recorded. Indigenous species included two freshwater species (Pseudobarbus afer, Sandelia capensis), two catadromous species (Anguilla mossambicus, Myxus capensis), and two estuarine species (Monodactylusfalciformis, Caffrogobius multifasciatus). Three of the nine recorded species were alien (Micropterus dolomieu, Micropterus salmoides, Gambusia affinis), with the Micropterus spp., in particular, likely to have a substantial negative influence on indigenous species. A further one indigenous species, two translocated indigenous species, and five estuarine species could potentially be recorded in these rivers. River catchment management actions to restore perennial flow to the Duiwe River, to prevent the attenuation of floods, and to prevent further establishment and spread of alien and translocated biota are required to conserve indigenous fish assemblages.

Biogeographical regions of the Iberian peninsula based on freshwater fish and amphibian distributions

We classified the main Iberian river basins based on the presence and absence of freshwater fishes and amphibians. For both taxonomic groups we analysed three data sets; 1) endemic species only, to search for biotic boundaries related to historical events, 2) indigenous species, which include endemic ones, to search for biotic boundaries related to ecological factors, 3) indigenous and well‐established introduced species, to assess the influence of man in the current biogeographical patterns of fishes and amphibians. We used both phenetic and cladistic methods, followed by a consensus analysis to provide an overall biogeographical pattern. Based on all fish distributions, the Iberian Peninsula is divided into three biogeographical regions: Cantabrian, Atlantic and Mediterranean, No boundary existed between the Cantabrian and Atlantic regions when only indigenous fish species were considered. This suggests that this boundary has been induced by man, probably through the differential introduction of fish species into reservoirs at one or other side of the boundary. Run‐off and the size of the river basins are the environmental factors that distinguished the Atlantic and Mediterranean regions. However, regionalization based only on endemic freshwater fishes showed a latitudinal pattern that agrees with the paleogeographic events of the Upper Oligocene‐Lower Miocene period. By contrast, one northern and one southern region were distinguished based on all amphibian distributions and on indigenous amphibians only, which suggests that human activity has not significantly affected the overall biogeographical pattern of amphibians in the Iberian Peninsula. Interannual predictability of precipitation best accounts for this regionalization. Based on endemic amphibians, the Iberian Peninsula is divided into three regions that closely resemble the three separate land areas of the Upper Eocene‐Lower Oligocene period. The consensus between the biogeographical regions based on fishes and amphibians yields five pairs of basins. Geological origin of the basins seems to better explain the consensus between the biogeographical patterns of fishes and amphibians, whereas ecological factors probably contribute to the differences between them.

FRESHWATER FISH OF THE ADDO ELEPHANT NATIONAL PARK

Summary This study aimed to determine the distribution and relative abundance of freshwater fish in the Addo Elephant National Park. A total of 1578 fish specimens of 12 species were collected during surveys carried out in the Sundays River and four tributaries during 1996 and 1997. The redfin minnow Pseudobarbus afer comprised 81.6% of the total catch. Length frequency analysis of P. afer populations indicated recent successful recruitment in several rivers. Differences between rivers in the concentrations of dissolved and suspended solids and pH are possible reasons for different species complements. These surveys show the distribution of P. afer and Barbus aeneus in the Eastern Cape Province to be wider than previously reported. Management action is required to minimise opportunities for further establishment and spread of alien and translocated fish species and to conserve indigenous fish assemblages within the Park.

Responses to pH of nine fishes and one shrimp native to New Zealand freshwaters

The pH values preferred and avoided by adult stages of inanga (Galaxias maculatus), common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus), common smelt (Retropinna retropinna), and redfinned bully (G. huttoni), were determined in a gradient tank (pH ranges of 3.2–11.2). Juvenile stages of inanga, common bully, shortjawed kokopu (Galaxias postvectus), koaro (G. brevipinnis), banded kokopu (G. fasciatus), shortfinned (Anguilla australis) and longfinned (A. dieffenbachii) elvers and glass eels, as well as freshwater shrimp (Paratya curvirostris) were also tested. Most species were found to have pH preferences and all except inanga avoided pH values of above c. 9.5. Adult fish showed stronger preferences than juveniles. An avoidance of pH values below 6.5 was apparent in most species except shortfinned elvers, koaro, and banded kokopu. Results indicate that the range of pH encountered in lowland streams are unlikely to have a major impact on the distribution of most New Zealand native freshwater fish.

The distribution of freshwater fish and the relationship between species diversity and basin characteristics of main rivers in China

The distribution of freshwater fish and the relationship between species diversity and basin characteristics of main rivers in China

Effects of Cadmium and Environmental Pollution on Metallothionein and Cytochrome P450 in Tilapia

Tilapia are widely distributed freshwater fish frequently used for environmental toxicology, comparative biochemistry and physiology studies. Tilapia can persist in a highly polluted habitat and have the potential for the development as a biological monitor of environmental pollution. Metallothioneins (MTs) are a group of small-molecular-weight cytoplasmic proteins induced in many animals including fish, following exposure to metals such as cadmium, copper, zinc, and mercury. An increasing number of reports have indicated that fish MT induction is a sensitive measure of metal contamination in the environment. Fish cytochrome (P450)-dependent monooxygenases are inducible by many environmental pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Extensive studies have suggested that fish monooxygenase can serve as a biochemical marker for exposure to PAH- and PCB-types of pollutants. Tilapia P450 is highly responsive to the inductive effects of PAH and PCBs. Tilapia collected from a polluted section of a river showed higher levels of P450 and dependent monooxygenase activities than tilapia collected from an unpolluted section. Previous studies showed that pretreatment with Cd decreased microsomal monooxygenase activities in fish such as plaice, bass, and trout. However, direct information regarding the effects of heavy metals on tilapia P450 are not available. Reports concerning themore » effect of heavy metal on tilapia MT are scarce. The purpose of the present study was to determine the ability of cadmium to modulate P450 and MT in tilapia liver and gill. In addition, we have extended our study to feral tilapia collected from Er-Jen Stream, a polluted river in Taiwan. 16 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs.« less

Distribution and abundance of freshwater fish in New Zealand rivers

The distribution and abundance of fish at sites in 38 medium to large New Zealand rivers were examined. Fish density varied from 5 to 200 fish per 100 m2, with an average of 53 fish. Our study sites contained a greater species richness and abundance than records stored on the New Zealand Freshwater Fish Database, where the average density was 28 fish per 100 m2. The average number of species at the study sites was 5, compared to 3 in the national database. Comparison of first-pass catches with multiple-pass population estimates showed that there was no difference in capture probability between species and that on average 51% of the population was captured on the first pass. The diadromous habit of many native species, and their ability to penetrate inland, was an overwhelming influence on their distribution. There was little regional variation in species composition, apart from the presence or absence of three non- diadromous species. Two distinct fish communities were evident: lowland and upland. Lowland communities typically contained the highest density and diversity offish, whereas upland communities were dominated by one or two species. Many river sites were intermediate between lowland and upland, both in species composition and fish density, and showed a gradual reduction in abundance and change in community structure with elevation, as those fish less able to penetrate inland disappeared and non-diadromous species began to appear. Elevation was the most important discriminating factor, with physical habitat and