Decrypting the stream periphyton physical habitat of recently deglaciated floodplains.

The rapid recession of glaciers is exposing large zones to the development of embryonic phototrophic ecosystems and eventual ecological succession. Traditionally, succession patterns in glacial forefields have been seen as a response to time since deglaciation, but nowadays forefield exposure is so rapid that this theory may be less applicable. In this succession process, periphyton are potential pioneer organisms because of their role in modifying the local environment (e.

On the occurrence of three non-native cichlid species including the first record of a feral population of () (Boulenger, 1899) in Europe.

Thermally influenced freshwater systems provide suitable conditions for non-native species of tropical and subtropical origin to survive and form proliferating populations beyond their native ranges. In Germany, non-native convict cichlids () and tilapia ( sp.) have established populations in the Gillbach, a small stream that receives warm water discharge from a local power plant.

Cooling water of power plant creates "hot spots" for tropical fishes and parasites.

Thermally altered water bodies can function as "hot spots" where non-native species are establishing self-sustaining populations beyond their tropical and subtropical native regions. Whereas many tropical fish species have been found in these habitats, the introduction of non-native parasites often remains undetected. Here, n = 77 convict cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) were sampled by electro-fishing at two sites from a thermally altered stream in Germany and examined for parasite fauna and feeding ecology.

Adaptive speciation and sexual dimorphism contribute to diversity in form and function in the adaptive radiation of Lake Matano's sympatric roundfin sailfin silversides.

The utility of traits involved in resource exploitation is a central criterion for the adaptive character of radiations. Here, we test for differentiation in morphology, jaw mechanics and nutrition among species and sexes of Lake Matano's sympatric 'roundfin' sailfin silversides. The three incipient fish species differ significant in several candidate traits for adaptation following ecological selection pressure, corresponding to contrasting jaw mechanics and distinct patterns in food resource use.