A First Guide to Freshwater and Diadromous Fish in Portugal ^†

Abstract

Fresh waters are among the most imperiled ecosystems in the world. Not surprisingly, freshwater and diadromous fishes, which show remarkably high levels of endemism, are declining dramatically worldwide. In Portugal, more than 60% of the native fishes are already threatened and risk further population declines due to the intensification of multiple threats such as habitat loss and degradation, non-native species, and climate change. However, there is a lack of a comprehensive information about this vertebrate group in Portugal, and also in Spain. A Guide to Freshwater and Migratory Fishes in Portugal is the first book with dedicated information about the 62 fishes listed for freshwater ecosystems in the region, including data on their morphological characteristics, distribution, ecology, conservation, and economic value, and original scientific drawings by Claudia Baeta and Pedro Salgado. The guide is directed to the general public, scholars and fishermen, constitutes a groundbreaking mark for the Portuguese and Iberian ichthyology, and hopes to attract more research and public engagement to the conservation of the freshwater ecosystems.