Characterization of European lampreys and fishes by their longitudinal and lateral distribution traits

This study aims to complement existing fish-based assessment approaches by classifying European lampreys and fish species according their probability of occurrence in six different longitudinal river regions five types floodplain water bodies under unimpaired conditions. The main objective was provide for the first time harmonized traits fishes both lateral dimensions systems a Fish Region Index (FRI) Floodplain (FFI), respectively. Altogether 163 lamprey established rivers have been scored probabilities. species-specific indices variances inform about species’ probabilities, dispersal potential inventories waters. final scores allow identifying characteristic assemblages, i.e. set type-specific bodies. index values serve calculate summary metrics total assemblage (FRItotal FFItotal) as macro-scale indicators deviation from reference state. resulting indicate degradation well rehabilitation success at level an ecologically relevant macro-scale. Both are directly comparable among all biogeographic Europe independent local pool. As such, ecological status body systems, which required particular large rivers.