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AuthorGoncalves, Renata
AuthorTeodosio, Maria Alexandra
AuthorCruz, Joana
AuthorBen-Hamadou, Radhouan
AuthorCorreia, Ana Dulce
AuthorChicharo, Luis
Available date2020-08-20T12:13:43Z
Publication Date2017
Publication NameFishes
ResourceScopus
ISSN24103888
URIhttp://dx.doi.org/10.3390/fishes2040019
URIhttp://hdl.handle.net/10576/15744
AbstractThis work aims to undertake a preliminary characterization of winter fish assemblages in the salt marsh areas of Guadiana lower estuary (South-East Portugal) and discusses the potential risks of habitat dominance by a non-indigenous species (NIS). To this effect, six field campaigns were carried out in four sampling sites during winter season targeting the collection of fish species. A total of 48 samples were collected. Individuals from seven different taxa (marine and estuarine) were collected, although the assemblage was dominated by two estuarine species-the native Pomatoschistus sp. (goby) and the NIS Fundulus heteroclitus (mummichog). Goby was the most abundant taxa in the majority of salt marsh habitats, except for one specific, marsh pool, where extreme environmental conditions were registered, namely high temperature and salinity. Such conditions may have boosted the intrusion of mummichog in this area. This species is well adapted to a wide range of abiotic factors enabling them to colonize habitats where no predators inhabit. Impacts of mummichog introduction in the Guadiana salt marsh area are still unpredictable since this is the first time they have been recorded in such high density. Nevertheless, in scenarios of increased anthropogenic pressure and, consequently, habitat degradation, there is a potential risk of mummichog spreading to other habitats and therefore competing for space and food resources with native species.
SponsorEuropean Regional Development Fund,FEDER
Languageen
PublisherMDPI AG
SubjectAnthropogenic pressures
Fundulus heteroclitus
Habitat degradation
Pomatoschistus sp
Salinity
Temperature
TitlePreliminary insight into winter native fish assemblages in guadiana estuary salt marshes coping with environmental variability and non-indigenous fish introduction
TypeArticle
Issue Number4
Volume Number2
dc.accessType Open Access


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