Grzegorz Zięba

University of Łódź · Department of Ecology and Vertebrate Zoology

This study investigates the impact of water faecal contamination on highly threatened European brook lamprey larvae (Lampetra planeri). Water samples and the midgut contents of lampreys collected from a small lowland river upstream (site 1) and downstream from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharge (site 2) were analysed to check how the fae...

Native to Central and Eastern Europe, the euryhaline pikeperch Sander lucioperca can acclimatize to elevated salinity levels (e.g., up to 30‰), but it remains unknown whether their invasive populations use this ability to inhabit and/or disperse through brackish waters, such as estuaries and inshore areas. To test whether invasive pikeperch show a...

This study explores the utilisation of European freshwater mussels as hosts by the European bitterling (Rhodeus amarus) at their current sympatric occurrence range. Our study confirms Pseudanodonta complanata as a suitable, occasional host for bitterling. The spawning relationship of R. amarus with freshwater mussels has physiological costs for the...

In Poland, distribution of non‐native pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Centrarchidae) is strictly limited to the Oder river basin, where it was introduced in the early 20th century. Recently, several populations have been found in waterbodies adjacent to the Oder, particularly in its lower reaches. In this study, we compare the genetic relatedness of...

Much of the biological diversity we see today is thought to be the product of evolutionary radiation, the rapid proliferation of species from a single ancestor into multiple discrete forms. Spatial heterogeneity in environmental variables has been proposed as creating the necessary ecological opportunity to stimulate evolutionary radiation. Nonethe...

Electronic decision-support tools are becoming an essential component of government strategies to tackle non-native species invasions. This study describes the development and application of a multilingual electronic decision-support tool for screening terrestrial animals under current and future climate conditions: the Terrestrial Animal Species I...

Although the current research findings may not solve all identified shortcomings related to research in the risk screening of non-native species, all papers in this Special Issue have contributed to fill at least partially the existing gaps. The content of the Special Issue has helped to emphasise the importance not only of using appropriate nomenc...

Infection of non-indigenous pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus, Centrarchidae) with the bothriocephalidean cestode Bothriocephalus claviceps (Cestoda: Bothriocephalidae) was confirmed at several sites in the lower Oder river basin in Poland. The preferred host for this cestode species is the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), with a wide range of other f...

While there is evidence of genetic and phenotypic responses to climate change, few studies have demonstrated change in functional traits with a known genetic basis. Here we present evidence for an evolutionary adaptive response to elevated temperatures in freshwater populations of the threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus. Using a unique se...

The threat posed by invasive non-native species worldwide requires a global approach to identify which introduced species are likely to pose an elevated risk of impact to native species and ecosystems. To inform policy, stakeholders and management decisions on global threats to aquatic ecosystems, 195 assessors representing 120 risk assessment area...

The fecundity and sexual structure of weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) population, an inperilled and protected freshwater fish with a poorly known life history, was studied in three waterbodies: the River Ner, the Południowy canal and the Nowy Rów canal (Poland) differing in hydrological character. We compared reproductive traits; i.e. sex ratio, a...

This study represents a description of the diet composition of one of the largest European cobitids, the weatherfish Misgurnus fossilis. Specimens were collected in a drainage canal, representing a typical habitat for weatherfish, and with gut content analysis conducted with regard to individual total length and maturity stage. Overall, the weather...

While there is evidence of genetic and phenotypic responses to climate change, few studies have demonstrated change in functional traits with a known genetic basis. Here we present evidence for an evolutionary adaptive response to elevated temperatures in freshwater populations of the threespine stickleback ( Gasterosteus aculeatus ). Using a uniqu...

Environmental changes due to non-native species introductions and translocations are a global concern. Whilst understanding the causes of bioinvasions is important, there is need for decision-support tools that facilitate effective communication of the potential risks of invasive non-native species to stakeholders. Decision-support tools have been...

Environmental changes due to non-native species introductions and translocations are a global concern. Whilst understanding the causes of bioinvasions is important, there is need for decision-support tools that facilitate effective communication of the potential risks of invasive non-native species to stakeholders. Decision-support tools have been...

Colour traits can be elaborated through sexual selection and have potential to drive reproductive isolation. Male three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) express striking visual signals to attract choosy females during courtship, typically expressed as red carotenoid-based pigmentation on their throat and jaw during the breeding season,...

The aim of our study was to provide a first overview of the population genetic structure of the invasive Chinese sleeper, Perccottus glenii, (Actinopterygii: Odontobutidae) in European water bodies. This species originates from inland waters of north-eastern China, northern North Korea and the Russian Far East. The 1172 bp long portion of the cytoc...

Similar phenotypes evolve under equivalent environmental conditions through parallel evolution. Because they have repeatedly invaded and adapted to new freshwater environments, the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) offers a powerful system for understanding the agents of selection in nature that drive parallel evolution. Here, we ex...

Introduction Body size is the most important attribute of an organism, imposing limitations on many features of structure and function. In teleost fishes, body size is a key characteristic (Moyle & Cech 2000) and many life history traits, such as mortality rate and reproductive success, show strong correlations with this parameter (Wootton 1992, Fr...

At present Poland is drained from the Carpathians, located in the south-east, to the Baltic Sea, located in the north-west. In the Pleistocene, however, much of Poland experienced several glaciations, when ice sheets advanced south and retreated. Each one destroyed many river basins and their fish but created periodic connections with the North Sea...

Despite its social and economic benefits, the ornamental trade has become a major source of non-native fish introductions into freshwater ecosystems. However, the ornamental trade as a vector for introductions of non-native freshwater fishes is not well defined. We developed a framework incorporating elements of biological invasion processes and a...

Background. Despite increasing reports of non-native freshwater fish dispersal in Poland, a risk assessment (RA) of their current or future impacts has not been undertaken. In this study, the Aquatic Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (AS-ISK) was applied for the first time in Poland (the RA area) to determine the risk of non-native pumpkinseed Lep...

The weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) is a species that is tolerant of unfavourable environmental conditions and can survive low dissolved oxygen concentrations and high water temperatures. Although this species occurs across almost the whole of Europe, and is protected in many countries, relatively little is known regarding its ecology. To determin...

• Ponto‐Caspian gobies are among the most successful fish invaders in inland waters of Europe and in the Great Lakes of North America. Their invasions appear to comprise a combination of passive and active dispersal mechanisms, both natural and human‐mediated. Despite the significance of Ponto‐Caspian gobies as invasive species, there is little inf...

Providing parental care is potentially costly. Costs can arise through elevated energy expenditure or from an increased risk of mortality. A cost of parental care can also occur because a parent is compromised in their ability to forage. We used pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus, a fish with an alternative male mating strategy, to test whether parental...

Carotenoid‐based pigmentation is a striking feature of many taxa, yet the function, if any, of colour traits is often unclear. Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus, a widely introduced freshwater sunfish that exhibits alternative male mating strategies, express a striking, red operculum spot. To investigate the potential function of this red spot as a sign...

The Warta River (795 km long) is the largest tributary of the Odra (Oder) River. This study presents results from one of the best-documented long-term monitoring projects in Poland, based on three periods of electrofishing: 1986–88 (T1), 1996–98 (T2) and 2011–12 (T3). After decades of severe point-source pollution, water quality has been improving...

The aim of the study was to assess whether ichthyofauna variability follows the natural downstream gradient or the degradation gradient, and to assess the bioindication potential of fish zonation. The study was conducted along the entire length (795 km) of the lowland Warta River, Poland, wherein the complexity of the ecotone zone and availability...

The Warta River (795 km long) is the largest, right side tributary of the Odra (Oder) River. The study presents results from one of the best-documented long-term monitoring projects in Poland based on four terms of electrofishing: 1963–66, 1986–88, 1996–98 and 2011–12, conducted in the upper Warta. The Warta River underwent human-induced modificati...

1. In response to reported declines in crucian carp Carassius carassius across Europe, studies of the status and population biology of the species in England led to Biodiversity Action Plan priority designation in the eastern county of Norfolk. 2. In light of new data on crucian carp populations in eastern England (counties of Essex, Hertfordshire...

The pattern of morphometric differentiation between two populations of pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) inhabiting distinctively different habitats in north-west Poland was examined. Fish were collected at sites that differ in water temperature and hydrology – an ambient temperature, urban pond vs an artificially-heated drainage channel, respectively...

A mark-recapture study was conducted between May 2012 and September 2014 to estimate the home range, movement rate and habitat preferences of non-native pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (Centrarchidae) in Emerald Lake, a deep former chalk pit in north-western Poland. Multiple (19, predominantly monthly) electrofishing runs through the lake’s littoral z...

The Warta River is a tributary of the Odra (Oder) River. It is 795.2 km long. In 1986 the large Jeziorsko dam reservoir was constructed in the 306th km of its course. In the late 1980s, the river pollution assumed its highest level and stopped increasing as the former political system collapsed and many industrial plants went bankrupt. Unified fis...

Of the non-native fishes introduced to the U.K., the pumpkinseed is one of six species predicted to benefit from the forecasted climate warming conditions. To demonstrate the potential response of adults and their progeny to a water temperature increase, investigations of parental pumpkinseed acclimatization, reproduction and YOY over-wintering wer...

The Natura 2000 area “Pradolina Bzury-Neru” is one of the few recognized places in Poland where the density of weatherfish Misgurnus fossilis is extremely high. The values often exceed the threshold of 1 individual·m–2 of a watercourse, being sufficient to recognize the state of the local population as favourable (FV). In general, the typical habit...

The Natura 2000 area “Pradolina Bzury-Neru” is one of the few recognized places in Poland where the density of weatherfish Misgurnus fossilis is extremely high. The values often exceed the threshold of 1 individual·m–2 of a watercourse, being sufficient to recognize the state of the local population as favourable (FV). In general, the typical habit...

The status and movements of barbel Barbus barbus was assessed in a by-passed section of the former course of the Lower River Lee (England), which is amongst the most densely populated river catchments in England. Barbel abundance data from historical fisheries surveys and data on the movements of eleven tagged barbel between this section and the ad...

Predictions of future climate change include shifts in patterns of precipitation, evapotranspiration and water run-off, resulting in increased periods of drought as well as variability and intensity of rainfall events. In the United Kingdom, the non-native North American sunfish, pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus (L.), is expected to benefit from these...

The aim of the study was to test for diel patterns in the diet and habitat use in a feral, pond-dwelling, non-native fathead minnow Pimephales promelas population in England. Fish were collected in June 2009 using traps set in four habitat types (open waters, rushes—Juncus effusus, weeds—Potamogeton natans and mixed vegetation), then sexed and meas...

Identifying the causal factors underlying natural selection remains a key challenge in evolutionary biology. Although the genetic basis for the plate morph evolution of three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) is well described, the environmental variables that form the basis for different morphs are not understood. We measured the effects...

The extent and causes of crucian carp Carassius carassius decline were assessed during an initial study of c. 25 ponds in north Norfolk, eastern England, U.K., which was then replicated (a validation study) on another c. 25 ponds in an adjacent area. Of these ponds, c. 40 are known to have contained C. carassius during the 1970s-1980s. In the initi...

As an island country, the United Kingdom was amongst the most active nations during the ‘acclimatisation societies’ era, when humans introduced numerous fish species to the British Isles. More recent fish introductions have been accidental, but in both cases the secondary dispersal of established populations has resulted from both human-assisted in...

Male traits that correlate with fertilization success include testis size and structure, ejaculate size, ejaculation frequency, and sperm motility. Two hypotheses potentially explain interspecific differences in these traits: sperm competition and sperm limitation. We examined variation in six traits associated with fertilization success in three c...

In an experimental comparison of pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus reproduction under ambient and climate change water temperature regimes, spawning occurred earlier in the season, which is likely to lead to greater young-of-the-year survival with concomitant implications in the U.K. under warmer climatic conditions.

The ornamental Asiatic species, goldfish Carassius auratus, was introduced to open waters of the UK in the late 17th century. The species reproduces readily in small ponds and threatens native species, in particular crucian carp Carassius carassius, but surprisingly there are no known published studies on the growth and reproduction of feral pond p...

The introduced range of the European cyprinid, sunbleak Leucaspius delineatus, in England was previously limited to parts of southwest England but has now expanded across Southern England. Natural dispersal mechanisms cannot explain their increased distribution and fish stocking was not a factor. Thus, the accidental movement of either their eggs o...

The crucian carp Carassius carassius is a species of cyprinid fish native to south‐east England, but few studies exist on its growth and reproduction in England, and the species is threatened by introductions of its Asiatic congener, goldfish Carassius auratus . To increase knowledge of the crucian carp as a means of aiding its conservation, the pr...

Small agricultural ponds are important sites for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity, including native fish such as the crucian carp Carassius carassius L., a cryptic, benthic species that is thought to have undergone a significant decline in England over recent decades. To assess the extent and causes of its decline, we focused on a discre...

Submersed plants appeared in the impounded section of the Warta River as a consequence of low discharge in summer and were colonized by epiphytic fauna dominated by Hydra sp., Simuliidae, and Chironomidae. The three-spined stickleback consumed it voraciously, and their diet composition closely reflected the available food resources. In May their al...

Sperm depletion occurs when males are unable to maintain ejaculate size over successive ejaculations and appears to be widespread across multiple taxa. We used the European bitterling, a fish that lays its eggs in the gills of freshwater mussels, in experiments to investigate sperm depletion over different temporal scales at different levels of spe...

Four oxbow lakes and two neighbouring sections of their parent Warta River (Odra River system, Poland) were sampled to investigate differences in fish assemblages between habitats in 1999–2000. Additional comparisons were made with 12 other oxbow lakes in this section of the river that were sampled 30–40 years ago. Downstream of a man-made reservoi...

Almost 35% of the fish species noted in Polish waters were introduced either intentionally or accidentally. Only a few of them can be defined as invasive, i.e. capable of establishing naturally reproducing populations in the wild and spreading quickly to new territories. The most prominent cases include the Chinese sleeper (Perccottus glenii), a fi...

Almost 35% of the fish species noted in Polish waters were introduced either intentionally or accidentally. Only a few of them can be defined as invasive, i.e. capable of establishing naturally reproducing populations in the wild and spreading quickly to new territories. The most prominent cases include the Chinese sleeper (Perccottus glenii), a fi...

Export Date: 24 August 2012, Source: Scopus

Recruitment, movement and body lengths of 0+ fish were investigated in three oxbow lakes (OL) and two neighbouring sections of the Pilica River (19962000), and also in four OLs and two neighbouring sections of the Warta River (19982000). More juveniles were sampled in OLs than in their parent rivers, especially much more in the Warta River system,...

The pattern of microhabitat preferences of spined loach was examined in a natural, unpolluted lowland river. This fish co-occurred with 9 other species but non-random association was noted only with Ukrainian Lamprey, the most abundant species in the studied fish community. Spined loach was distributed only in areas adjacent to river banks. Microha...

Three oxbow lakes of the alluvial Pilica River, each in a different stage of connection with the channel, display different levels of importance for maintaining fish diversity in the catchment and as moderators of climatic stress. During a five year investigation, from 1996 to 2000, following a series of hot summers and minimal river flows, heavy f...

The pattern of habitat use by bitterling in a highly heterogeneous reach of the Drzewiczka River was examined. Habitat preferences of this species were studied in two ways: (1) selectivity of physical variables such as depth, substratum, bottom cover, velocity; (2) association between bitterling and other fish species and unionid mussels. The study...