Climbing for dummies: recommendation for multi‐specific fishways for the conservation of tropical eels and gobies

Dams and other man-made barriers impair upstream fish migration thus threaten populations that need access to upper river reaches complete their life cycle. For many years, fishways have been used mitigate this impact. Fishways around the globe are typically built based on recommendations made for northern hemisphere species, particularly salmonids. These do not consider locomotor characteristics skills of especially those living in tropics. Among tropical freshwater eels gobies Sicydiinae subfamily important cultural economic species sensitive impact barriers. Our experimental study aimed test different substrates slopes ramp-like adapted sicydiines. five tested 368 Anguilla marmorata, elastomer pins appeared be most efficient. Elastomer also more efficient than fine concrete which is currently sicydiines (Sicyopterus lagocephalus, N = 1797, Cotylopus acutipinnis, 1303). The slope had a lesser effect climbing success compared substrate type, except gradients greater 50° induced slight decrease success. results indicated fitted with 1.0 cm diameter pins, positioned staggered rows diagonal spacing 1.3 cm, wetted low-flow angled less 50°, well accommodate