Publications by authors named "Korbinian Pacher"
The thermal ecology of ectotherm animals has gained considerable attention in the face of human-induced climate change. Particularly in aquatic species, the experimental assessment of critical thermal limits (CTmin and CTmax) may help to predict possible effects of global warming on habitat suitability and ultimately species survival. Here we present data on the thermal limits of two endemic and endangered extremophile fish species, inhabiting a geothermally heated and sulfur-rich spring system in southern Mexico: The sulfur molly (Poecilia sulphuraria) and the widemouth gambusia (Gambusia eurystoma).
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- Billfish rostra serve multiple roles, but are crucial for feeding in some species; recent studies link rostral micro-teeth variation to different feeding behaviors in striped marlin and sailfish.
- This study introduces the rostral micro-tooth morphology of blue marlin, highlighting their feeding behavior remains undocumented in the wild, despite previous video analyses of other billfish revealing striking patterns.
- Findings show blue marlin have longer intact micro-teeth but a higher incidence of broken teeth compared to striped marlin and sailfish, suggesting their rostrum functions in high-speed dashes targeting larger prey instead of precision strikes.
Recent comparative studies of billfishes (Istiophoridae and Xiphiidae) have provided evidence of differences in the form and function of the rostra (bill) among species. Here, we report the discovery of a new structure, lacuna rostralis, on the rostra of sailfish Istiophorus platypterus, which is absent on the rostra of swordfish Xiphias gladius, striped marlin Kajikia audax and blue marlin Makaira nigricans. The lacunae rostralis are small cavities that contain teeth.
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