| Autor: |
Almeida D; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain.; GRECO, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, M. Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain., Alcaraz-Hernández JD; GRECO, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, M. Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain.; TRAGSATEC Group, 28037 Madrid, Spain., Cruz A; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain., Lantero E; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Spain., Fletcher DH; UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Environment Centre Wales, Bangor LL57 2UW, UK., García-Berthou E; GRECO, Institute of Aquatic Ecology, University of Girona, M. Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Spain. |
| Abstrakt: |
Biological invasions are of special conservation concern in the Iberian Peninsula and other regions with high levels of endemism. Environmental variability, such as the seasonal fluctuations of Mediterranean streams, is a key factor that affects the spread of aquatic species in novel habitats. Fish parasites have a great potential to reflect such changes in the habitat features of freshwater ecosystems. The aim of this study consisted of seasonally analysing the health status and parasitological traits of non-native fish in Iberian waters. In particular, a strongly invasive population of Languedoc minnow Phoxinus septimaniae (leuciscid species native to south-east France) was assessed in Tordera Stream (north-eastern Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean conditions). Fish were sampled in April, July, and October 2023 by electrofishing. Health status (external/internal organs) was significantly better in autumn (HAI = 28.8) than spring (HAI = 35.6). Life-cycle complexity was higher in spring (LCI = 1.98), whereas parasite abundance and Shannon diversity were significantly lower in autumn (TA = 19.6 and H' = 2.15, respectively). In October (more 'benign' environmental conditions in Iberian streams), minnows could display elevated foraging activity, with fish increasing their health condition and level of parasite resistance/tolerance. Overall results showed a particular seasonal profile of health and parasite infra-communities that allow this minnow species to thrive under highly fluctuating habitat conditions. This information could help environmental managers to control non-native fish in Mediterranean streams. |
