Trophic Patterns of Freshwater Fish across the Balkan Biodiversity Hotspot

Ecological information regarding trophic patterns and the inherent structure of freshwater aquatic communities is considered fundamental in ecological research. In this study, Greek fish fauna, belonging to Balkan biodiversity hotspot, were investigated, comparisons species feeding habits among ecoregions performed. The analyses based on widely used level index available composition datasets, along with utilization clustering methods, indicated seven major distinct guilds ecoregions. studied ranged from 2.0 4.5, thus being within expected values for ecosystems, revealing presence both top predators primary consumers. highest found northern Greece. results also exhibited considerable predominance higher-trophic-level zooplanktivorous insectivorous mainland, compared lower-trophic-level opportunist island-isolated These could be application ecosystem-based models formulation conservation fishery management schemes.