Τhe fish fauna in lentic ecosystems of Greece

This study provides an annotated checklist of the freshwater fish species recorded in lentic ecosystems Greece. Species distributional data were derived from extensive review published and unpublished sources evaluated for their consistency, adequacy reliability. Overall, 650 (149 natural 501 artificial) investigated which, 480 fishless or unavailable. In remaining 170 ecosystems, 122 taxa (belonging to 22 families 57 genera). Some records concerned with extirpated populations, doubtful occurrences uncertain taxonomic status. The highest richness (52 species) was Ionian ecoregion while endemicity Macedonia-Thessaly (43.75%). Eastern Aegean presented level introduced (75%). Only eight hosted 20 more species, 92 had over 50% species. most widespread native (Anguilla anguilla Luciobarbus albanicus) two highly migratory highlighting importance connectivity aquatic ecosystems. translocated Cyprinus carpio due its high commercial recreational value, whereas Gambusia holbrooki confirmed dispersal ability being alien More than one third (37.23 %) are threatened based on IUCN Red List. ultimate contribution this is support coordination dissemination baseline information fishes Greek required by a range users. knowledge will enable further understanding regional assemblage structure other biogeographical patterns ichthyofauna Greece contribute conservation prioritising areas hosting need protection. Finally, reveals gap regarding composition many highlights relevant primary research including systematic standardised samplings.