Fish introductions in small water bodies are a major threat, leading to declines of native amphibian species due to competition, predation or/and habitat alterations.
Mosquitofish, is considered on of the most invasive fish species in Greece, and is, abounded in several water bodies in Ioannina basin, Epirus.
Epirus is considered a hot spot of biodiversity, and an important area for many amphibian species.
According to our research, mosquitofish presence had sublethal effects on paedomorphic newts, with consequences regarding their fitness. Newts exposed to the presence of mosquitofish reduced their mobility and their foraging behavior, as well as their oviposition rates. Most notably, the presence of fish induced an increase in the frequency of metamorphosis.
Facultative paedomorphosis
Facultative paedomorphosis is an example of phenotypic plasticity, in which sexually mature newts exhibit larva characteristics like gills and gill slits. It’s an important example of how phenotypic plasticity benefits individuals by exploiting different niche and resources, offering better chances of survival.
During the last decades, worldwide amphibian declines have been reported, while paedomorphic populations are facing severe declines and extirpations, since they are highly depended from small water bodies like ponds and ditches. The design of targeted management actions and their implementation is necessary for the conservation and survival of those populations as well as their fragile habitats.
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