PIT-tagging Italian spined loach (Cobitis bilineata): Methodology,survival and behavioural effects

The Italian spined loach (Cobitis bilineata) is an elongated, small-sized (<12 cm) spined loach native to northern Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. As for loaches in general, little is known about the individual movements of this loach in nature. Passive integrated transponders (PIT-tags) are small (typically 7–32 mm), relatively cheap and allow tracking of individual fish movements and behaviour. A fundamental assumption in animal telemetry is that the performance of a tagged animal does not deviate substantially from its natural performance. Although PIT-tagged fish often display high survival and tag retention, the effect varies between species and contexts, and few studies have looked at behavioural effects of PIT-tagging. Here we demonstrate a PIT-tagging methodology for spined loaches, and compare survival, activity and provoked escape response (maximum swimming speed) between tagged and control fish. We also track tag retention in the tagged fish. Italian spined loaches tagged with 12 mm PIT-tags displayed high tag retention and no extra mortality, and no effects of tagging on activity or maximum swimming speed were observed. The tag-to-fish weight and length ratios in our study ranged from 2% to 5% and from 10% to 16%, respectively, and we conclude that PIT-tagging, within these ratios, appears suitable for Italian spined loach.     

Efficacy and accuracy of portable PIT-antennae when locating fish in ice-covered streams

Active tracking of passive integrated transponder (PIT)-tags using portable antennae is becoming an increasingly common technique in fish habitat studies in shallow rivers. We carried out “blind testing” to test the efficacy (% tags found) and accuracy (distance between predicted and true tag location) of a portable antenna system (Texas Instruments) in winter conditions using 23-mm PIT-tags. Up to 90 cm reading range was achieved and signals penetrated ice, rock, wood and water. In the “blind test” trials, a majority of the hidden tags (N = 12–30) were found indicating high tracking efficacy. PIT-tags that were oriented with their cylindrical axis parallel to the plane of the antenna coil inductor loop resulted in a bimodal detection field that had low detection range in the centre of the loop. The utilization of this bimodal detection field proved to be a very accurate method for identifying tag position (mean ± SE distance from predicted to true tag location 10.9 ± 1.4 cm) and thus well suited for microhabitat and activity studies in winter conditions. Aggregations of tags (multiple tags within 1 m²) and obstacles for the antenna maneuvering (e.g., boulders, logjams) reduced the pinpointing accuracy (mean ± SE 13.3 ± 1.8 cm), but the reduction in accuracy was statistically non-significant between the single and aggregated tags.     

An easy way to reduce PIT-tag loss in rodents

Passive integrated transponders (PIT-tags) have been shown to be a reliable method for individually marking rodents in field studies. The loss rates of PIT-tags vary, depending on the species, from 3.6 to 7.2%. We used PIT-tags to individually mark a population of edible dormice. Due to a relatively high loss rate of transponders in the first year (7.4%) we used a tissue adhesive to seal the punctuation wound in the second year. With this method we could reduce the tag-loss rate to 2.2%. We therefore recommend using a tissue adhesive, which is easy and fast to apply, after injecting a transponder.     

Fate of 2 year-old, hatchery-reared trout cod Maccullochella macquariensis (Percichthyidae) stocked into two upland rivers

Radio-tracking was used in monitoring the reintroduction of on-grown 2 year-old trout cod Maccullochella macquariensis (Percichthyidae) (a nationally endangered freshwater fish) in both a large and small upland river. Thirty-six radio-tagged M. macquariensis were stocked into a site in each of the Murrumbidgee and Cotter Rivers (Australian Capital Territory). Restricted dispersal occurred in both rivers, with both samples of M. macquariensis remaining within 5 km of the release site for the duration of the study. Mortality was rapid and 1 month after release 61 and 31% of the sample was alive in the Murrumbidgee and Cotter Rivers, respectively. In the Murrumbidgee River, complete mortality had occurred 6 months after release. An individual survived in the Cotter River until 7 months after release. Predation by cormorants Phalacrocorax spp. and predation or scavenging by the common water rat Hydromys chrysogaster were the probable causes of mortality. Predator-assisted movement of radio-tags by cormorants occurred in both groups and had the potential to confound interpretation of active dispersal movements.     

A new method for fish chromosome preparation

A new method for the preparation of fish chromosomes from abdominal cavity fluid has been developed. Cells were collected from fish abdominal cavity fluid after an in vivo PHA treatment, and cultured for a short time in medium with colchicine. After 30 min hypotonic treatment for marine fish and 35 min for freshwater fish, slides were prepared by the conventional air-drying method. The advantages ofthe method are: (1) it is technically simple; (2) it produces a reasonably high mitotic index; (3) chromosome spreading is good (4) there is very little cell breakage. Using this method, the chromosomes ofrainbow trout (2n=62); cod (2n=4546) and plaice (2n=46,47 and 48) were investigated.     

远缘杂交形成的二倍体鱼和多倍体鱼生殖细胞染色体研究

本文采用性腺染色体制片及组织学切片方法,系统地研究了不同发育时期的鲫鲤杂交第二代(F2) (2n=100)、异源四倍体鲫鲤(4n=200)、三倍体鲫鱼(3n=150))、雌核发育二倍体鲫鲤第二代(G2)(2n=100)及鲤鱼(Cypninus carpio L)(2n=100)(对照组)生殖细胞的染色体特征.研究结果表明,对照组中鲤鱼精原细胞染色体数与体细胞染色体数一致,为二倍体精原细胞(2n=100),而远缘杂交形成的二倍体鱼和多倍体鱼的生殖细胞中则观察到明显的染色体数加倍现象,其中,鲫鲤杂交第二代(F2)精巢生殖细胞染色体数加倍现象特别丰富,占检测的染色体分裂相的21.6%,为其产生不减半的二倍体配子提供了直接的细胞学证据,同时也说明远缘杂交是导致生殖细胞染色体数加倍的一个重要因素.该研究在探讨多倍体鱼的发生及鱼类遗传育种方面具有重要意义.     

Characterization of Vibrio anguillarum and closely related species isolated from farmed fish in Norway.

A total of 264 bacterial strains tentatively or definitely classified as Vibrio anguillarum were examined. The strains were isolated from diseased or healthy Norwegian fish after routine autopsy. With the exception of five isolates from wild saithe (Pollachius virens), the strains originated from nine different species of farmed fish. The bacteria were subjected to morphological, physiological, and biochemical studies, numerical taxonomical analyses, serotyping by slide agglutination and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, DNA-plasmid profiling, and in vitro antimicrobial drug susceptibility testing. The results of the microbiological studies were correlated to anamnestic information. The bacterial strains were identified as V. anguillarum serovar O1 (n = 132), serovar O2 (n = 89), serovar O4 (n = 2), serovar O8 (n = 1), and not typeable (n = 1) as well as Vibrio splendidus biovar I (n = 36) and biovar II (n = 1), Vibrio tubiashii (n = 1), and Vibrio fischerii (n = 1). V. anguillarum serovar O1 or O2 was isolated in 176 out of 179 cases of clinical vibriosis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). V. anguillarum serovar O1 was the only serovar isolated from salmonid fish species other than Atlantic salmon, while V. anguillarum serovar O2 was isolated from all marine fish suffering from vibriosis. A 48-Mda plasmid was isolated from all V. anguillarum serovar O1 isolates examined. Serovar O2 isolates did not harbor any plasmids. Resistance against commonly used antibiotic compounds was not demonstrated among V. anguillarum isolates. Neither V. splendidus biovar I nor other V. anguillarum-related species appeared to be of clinical importance among salmonid fish.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Mating rendezvous in monogenean gill parasites of the humbug Dascyllus aruanus (Pisces: Pomacentridae)

The gills of the humbug, Dascyllus aruanus (Pomacentridae), were infected by a monogenean genus Haliotrema at a high prevalence (83%) but with a low mean intensity (5.6 worms/fish). All the gill arches of 365 fish, caught on the fringing reef of Moorea Island (French Polynesia), were examined for parasites. Each hemibranch was divided into 12 subequal sections. Monogeneans showing microhabitat overlap were defined as couples. Hosts with low intensity of infection (fewer than 5 monogeneans per gill) were selected and couples were recorded. Among the 37 hosts harboring 2 worms on their gills, 18 fish were infected with these 2 monogeneans on the same gill side of the body; 50% (n = 9) of these harbored monogeneans within the same gill arch and 55% (n = 5) of these last fish showed individual parasites within the same section of the gill. In the case of hosts with few monogeneans (3 and 4 individuals; n = 37) on the same arch, more than 40% (n = 16) harbored worms in couples. There may be some chemical communication that allowed these monogeneans to migrate toward each other and thus enhance mating success. Mating rendezvous appears to be a more important factor than site location for these gill monogeneans.     

The effect of fish oil on physical aggression in schoolchildren--a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate whether fish oil supplementation affected Japanese schoolchildren's behavior, with changes in aggression over time as the primary endpoint. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: A placebo-controlled double-blind study with 166 schoolchildren 9-12 years of age was performed. The subjects of the fish oil group (n=83) took fish oil-fortified foods (bread, sausage and spaghetti). These foods were provided in amounts such that each subject in the fish oil group had an intake of 3600 mg of docosahexaenoic acid+840 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)/week for 3 months. The rest (the controls, n=83) took control supplements. At the start and end of the study, psychological tests were performed to assess their aggression. RESULTS: Physical aggression assessed by Hostility-Aggression Questionnaire for Children in girls increased significantly (median: 13 to 15, n=42) in the control group and did not change (13 to 13, n=43) in the fish oil group with a significant intergroup difference (P=.008) with baseline as covariate. The changes in physical aggression scores over time and those of the ratio of EPA/arachidonic acid in RBC (DeltaEPA/AA) were significantly correlated in girls who agreed to blood collection (r=-.53, P=.01, n=23). On the contrary, there were no significant changes in physical aggression in boys. Aggression against others (extraggression) assessed by Picture Frustration Study did not change in the control group (median: 5 to 5) but increased significantly in the fish oil group (4 to 5) with a significant intergroup difference (P=.02) with baseline as covariate. These changes in extraggression might be explained partly by significantly lower baseline values of extraggression in the fish oil group (P=.02) than in the control group. There were no significant correlations between Deltaextraggression and DeltaEPA/AA in blood-sampled children (n=49). Impulsivity of girls assessed by parents/guardians using the diagnostic criteria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder of DSM-IV was reduced in the fish oil group (1 to 0) with a significant (P=.008) intergroup difference from the control group (1 to 1). There were no significant correlations between Deltaimpulsivity and DeltaEPA/AA in blood-sampled girls. In males, impulsivity reduced in both groups without any intergroup differences. CONCLUSION: There is a possibility that changes in fatty acid nutrition might affect physical aggression especially in girls.     

Zoonotic Trematode Metacercariae in Fish from Phnom Penh and Pursat,Cambodia

A survey was performed to investigate the infection status of freshwater fish with zoonotic trematode metacercariae in Phnom Penh and Pursat Province, Cambodia. All collected fish with ice were transferred to our laboratory and examined using the artificial digestion method. In fish from Phnom Penh, 2 kinds of metacercariae (Opisthorchis viverrini and Haplorchis yokogawai) were detected. O. viverrini metacercariae were positive in 37 (50.0%) of 74 fish in 11 species (average no. metacercariae/fish, 18.6). H. yokogawai metacercariae were detected in 23 (57.5%) of 40 fish in 5 species (average no. metacercariae/fish, 21.0). In fish from Pursat Province, 5 kinds of metacercariae (O. viverrini, H. yokogawai, Haplorchis pumilio, Centrocestus formosanus, and Procerovum sp.) were detected; O. viverrini metacercariae (n=3) in 2 fish species (Henicorhynchus lineatus and Puntioplites falcifer), H. yokogawai metacercariae (n=51) in 1 species (P. falcifer), H. pumilio metacercariae (n=476) in 2 species (H. lineatus and Pristolepis fasciata), C. formosanus metacercariae (n=1) in 1 species (H. lineatus), and Procerovum sp. metacercariae (n=63) in 1 species (Anabas testudineus). From the above results, it has been confirmed that various freshwater fish play the role of a second intermediate host for zoonotic trematodes (O. viverrini, H. yokogawai, H. pumilio, C. formosanus, and Procerovum sp.) in Cambodia.     

Isolation and characterization of mycobacteria from striped bass Morone saxatilis from the Chesapeake Bay

Mycobacteriosis in striped bass Morone saxatilis of Chesapeake Bay, USA, was first diagnosed in 1997 based on the presence of granulomatous inflammation and acid-fast bacteria in skin and spleen. To confirm histopathology, bacteriological detection and identification of mycobacteria were begun using splenic tissue from fish with and without skin ulcerations. On the basis of initial studies using a variety of selective and nonselective media, decontamination, homogenization and incubation conditions, a simple and quantitative recovery method using aseptic necropsy of splenic tissue was developed. Optimal recovery was obtained by spread-plating homogenates on Middlebrook 7H10 agar with incubation for 3 mo at 23 degrees C. Mycobacteria were recovered from 76% (n = 149/196) of fish examined. Mycobacterial densities exceeded 10(4) colony forming units x g tissue(-1) in 38% of samples (n = 63/168) that were examined using a quantitative approach. The most frequently recovered mycobacterium, present in 57% (n = 109/192) of characterized samples, was the recently named new species Mycobacterium shottsii. Polyinfections of M. shottsii and other mycobacteria were observed in 25% of samples (n = 47/192) with densities of M. shottsii usually 1 or more orders of magnitude higher than co-isolate(s). Other mycobacteria recovered included isolates that, based on phenotypic traits, resembled M. interjectum, M. marinum, M. scrofulaceum, M. szulgai and M. triplex. M. marinum, commonly associated with fish mycobacteriosis and human disease, was recovered infrequently (3%, n = 6/192). The presence of multiple mycobacterial types occurring at high densities suggests that a variety of mycobacteria could be causative agents of mycobacteriosis in striped bass from the Chesapeake Bay. Striped bass is the major recreational fish species in the Chesapeake Bay, and the significance of the current epizootic to human health and the potential adverse effects on fish stocks are not known.     

Gene banking of the neotropical fish Leporinus obtusidens (Valenciennes, 1836): a protocol to freeze its sperm in the field

A practical sperm cryopreservation protocol using a dry-shipper and a diluent of simple composition is described for the neotropical fish Leporinus obtusidens (Valenciennes, 1836). The cooling rate of the dry-shipper and its period of useful time, established under laboratory conditions, were respectively 25.7-30.8 degrees C/min (between 0 and -60 degrees C) and 9 days after charging. Sperm donors were selected on the basis of their hyperemic genital papilla and the ability to ooze milt under gentle manual pressure, during the reproductive months of November to January. Milt volume (1.3+/-0.3 mL; n=9 fish), fresh sperm motility rate (93.3+/-2.5%; n=6 fish), and sperm concentration (10.9+/-3.0 x 10(9)spermatozoa/mL of milt) were obtained. The sperm cryopreservation experiments were conducted with the following cryoprotectants (all at 10%, before mixing with milt): dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO; n=10 fish), methanol (n=6 fish), propanediol (n=6 fish) and ethylene glycol (n=5 fish). Glucose (5%) and hen's egg yolk (10%) made up the diluents containing DMSO, ethylene glycol or propanediol. Milk powder (10%) replaced hen's egg yolk in the diluent containing methanol. Distilled water (up to 100%) completed the diluent solutions. Milt freezing (in 0.5-mL straws) was performed in the dry-shipper after 1:5 (milt:diluent) dilution. Thawed sperm cryopreserved in DMSO-containing diluent and activated by 119 mM NaHCO(3) gave the highest motility rate (62+/-14%). The fertilizing capacity of L. obtusidens sperm was tested using the combination of DMSO-containing diluent as the cryoprotectant and 119 mM NaHCO(3) as the activating solution. Oocytes were obtained from artificial spawning and fertilized with different proportions of spermatozoa. The greatest rate of fertilization (74%) occurred when the ratio of about 112,000 motile spermatozoa:oocyte was used. Thus, a protocol to freeze L. obtusidens sperm can be elaborated as follows. Milt (<1.5 mL fish(-1)) was readily available only in November to January; a simple solution, composed of 10% DMSO (concentration before adding milt), 5% glucose, and 10% hen yolk egg, in distilled water, was used as sperm diluent; cooling rate of 25-30 degrees C/min, yielded in a portable dry-shipper, was adequate to freeze diluted milt (1:5; milt:diluent), in 5-mL straws; about 112,000 thawed motile spermatozoa:oocyte activated by 119 mM NaHCO(3) assured a fertilization rate of 74%.     

Effects of MET-ENK, substance P and SRIF on the behavior of Hemichromis bimaculatus

Administration of 10 and 30 micrograms methionine-enkephalin (MET-ENK)/g bw (n = 10/dose) affected the propensity towards fighting in H. bimaculatus; 10 micrograms increased, while 30 micrograms decreased the aggressive behavior. MET-ENK also affected a number of behavior patterns displayed by the fish. Moreover, the "wet-dog-shakes" observed suggest that MET-ENK acts on opiate-receptors. Treatment with substance P (SP)/g bw (n = 10/dose) induced chafing movements in the fish slightly. It also decreased fighting and increased biting of the air stone, which is evidence that H. bimaculatus is still aggressive, directing its attacks to different objects. When 4, 8, 12 micrograms somatostatin (SRIF)/g bw (n = 10/dose) were injected, H. bimaculatus stopped fighting for several hours after the onset of treatment, depending on the dosage. Somatostatin reduces blood glucose concentration, causing a sudden stop of aggressive behavior, 0.04, 0.1, 0.6, 1.0 and 3.0 IU prolactin (PRL)/g bw (n = 5/dose) eventually decreased fighting and affected a number of behavior patterns displayed by the fish.     

Prevalence and Intensity of Opisthorchis viverrini Metacercarial Infection in Fish from Phnom Penh,Takeo, and Kandal Provinces,Cambodia

The prevalence and intensity of Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae (OvMc) were investigated in fish from 3 southern administrative regions along the Mekong River in Cambodia, i.e., Phnom Penh, Takeo, and Kandal Provinces from 2017 to 2020. A total of 295 freshwater fish (24 species) were transported to our laboratory with ice and examined using the artificial digestion method. In Phnom Penh, among 4 fish species positive for OvMc, 9 (23.7%) of 38 specimens examined were infected, and their intensity of infection averaged 4.3 metacercariae per infected fish. In Takeo Province, among 10 fish species positive for OvMc, 24 (38.1%) out of 63 fish examined were infected, and their intensity of infection was av. 14.4 metacercariae per infected fish. In particular, all of 3 Osteochilus schlegelii fish examined were infected, and their infection intensity was high, 34.7 metacercariae per fish. In Kandal Province, among 6 fish species positive for OvMc, 46 (90.2%) out of 51 specimens examined were infected, and their infection intensity was 24.0 metacercaraie per infected fish. All fish of Systomus orphoides (n=17), Barbonymus altus (n=14), and Rasbora aurotaenia (n=2) were infected, and their intensity of infection averaged 37.7, 21.6, and 18.5 metacercariae per fish, respectively. Metacercariae of Haplochis yokogawai, Haplorchis taichui, and Centrocestus formosanus were detected in fish from Takeo and Kandal Provinces. From these results, it has been confirmed that a variety of fish species from Phnom Penh, Takeo, and Kandal Provinces are commonly infected with OvMc, and preventive measures to avoid human O. viverrini infection should be performed in Cambodia.     

An empirical test of freshwater vicariance via river capture

River capture is a geomorphological process through which stream sections are displaced from one catchment to another, and it may represent a dominant facilitator of interdrainage transfer and cladogenesis in freshwater-limited taxa. However, few studies have been conducted in a manner to explicitly test the biological significance of river capture. Here we present a multispecies phylogeographical analysis to test whether the nonmigratory fish fauna of the Von River (South Island, New Zealand) is the product of a well-documented, Late Quaternary capture of a section of the Oreti River (Southland drainage). Specifically, we predict that nonmigratory fishes of the Von River will exhibit closer genetic affinities with those of Southland, rather than those of the Clutha system, into which the Von River presently drains. Mitochondrial DNA phylogeography (control region and cytochrome b sequence data) and analysis of nuclear orthologues of mtDNA sequences indicate that 'flathead'Galaxias of the Von River (n = 31, three sites) have greatest genetic affinities with those of Southland (Galaxias 'southern', n = 216, 38 sites), rather than with those of the Clutha River (Galaxias sp. 'D', n = 73, 32 sites). Likewise, Von River 'roundhead'Galaxias (n = 52, four sites) have greatest genetic affinities with those of Southland drainages (Galaxias gollumoides, n = 223, 58 sites), rather than with those of the Clutha River (Galaxias pullus, Galaxias anomalus, Galaxias gollumoides of the Nevis tributary; n = 68, 32 sites). These findings are consistent with our predictions that genetic affinities of the nonmigratory fish fauna in the Von River would reflect past, rather than present, drainage connections. Consequently, river capture is responsible for the nonmigratory fish fauna of the Von River. In a broader context, river capture has frequently influenced the distribution of genetic lineages among catchments in New Zealand freshwater-limited fish, and its biogeographical significance may have been underestimated in other regions.     

Myxobolus myleus n. sp. infecting the bile of the Amazonian freshwater fish Myleus rubripinnis (Teleostei: Serrasalmidae): morphology and pathology

Myxobolus myleus n. sp. is described from the gall-bladder of the freshwater fish Myleus rubripinnis collected near the city of Oriximiná in the Amazon System, Brazil. The spores obtained from the bile contained two equal symmetrical and smooth valves, each forming the spore wall. The spores were large, with a cone-like form, a semi spherical basal contour and measured (in μm) 19.3 ± 0.5 (n = 25) × 8.3 ± 0.5 (n = 25) × 4.0 ± 0.3 (n = 15). The apical end of the spores contained two elongate, equal and pointed conical polar capsules measuring 13.2 ± 0.4 μm (n = 25) in length and 3.0 ± 0.3 μm (n = 15) in width, each having a slightly tapering polar filament with 19 to 21 turns. The polar capsules were extended below at about 4/5 of the total length of the spores. The sporoplasm was binucleate and contained some sporoplasmosomes. All infected fish presented hypertrophy of the gall-bladder due to presence of the brownish parasite floating in the bile. In this paper we describe this new species of myxosporean based on light and ultrastructural observations, together with its associated pathology.     

不同盐碱度水体的鱼类区系结构及主要经济鱼类生长的比较

通过对内陆15个盐碱度不同的典型水体中鱼类区系结构和主要经济鱼类生长的比较和分析,阐述了盐碱度对鱼类区系和鱼类生长的影响。比较和分析结果表明,鱼类的区系结构、种类数量和生长速度与水体盐碱度的高低有着密切关系,盐碱度高的水体其鱼类的生长速度较慢。将水体的pH值、盐度、碱度、硬度、电导率等几项盐碱指标与鱼类的种类数量进行逐步回归和相关分析,结果显示水体中鱼类现有的种类数量与盐碱指标的关系式为:LOG(现有种类数)=4.0929- 0.2866LOG(碱度)- 0.1857LOG(硬度),(R2= 0.7520,F=18.1967,p=0.0002);土着的种类数量与盐碱指标的关系式为:LOC(土着种类数)=3.3832-0.3509LOG(盐度)-0.44587LOG(碱度),(R2=0.7116,F=14.8058),p=0.0006).       

sGnRH-A [(d-Arg6, Pro9, NEt-)LHRH] in combination with domperidone induces gonad reversal in a protogynous fish, the bluehead wrasse, Thalassoma bifasciatum

The effects of thrice weekly injections of Ovaprim (sGnRH-A in combination with domperidone) on the ovary of Thalassoma bifasciatum , a protogynous marine fish, after 4 and 6 weeks are described. At the end of 4 weeks of treatment, 72% ( n =13) of the original females showed signs of reversal. The majority of these were deemed early stage although mid- ( n =2) and late ( n =1) stage reversals were present. At 6 weeks, 92% of the females had ovaries that were undergoing transformation. None of these, however, progressed beyond the early stage. Only 3.8% of the control fish showed signs of reversal over the same periods. The blue head colour pattern, typical of the terminal phase, did not appear in any of the fish.
To our knowledge, this is the first report investigating the hypothalamic influence on sex reversal in T. bifasciatum . These observations shed new light on the neuroendocrine control of reversal of gender in this species and hermaphroditic fishes in general.     

Development of a Fish Based Lake Typology for Natural Austrian Lakes >50 ha Based on the Reconstructed Historical Fish Communities

Based on the reconstructed native fish communities all natural Austrian lakes >50 ha (n = 43) were classified into four groups using cluster analysis methods. Sentinel species (i.e. species with highest discriminating value for lake types and characteristic for a specific lake group) and type specific fish species (accompanying species with additional value for characterising lake groups) were defined by a newly developed index and by similarity analysis. The first group included 16 lakes of high altitude, small surface area and low fish species number with arctic char as a sentinel species. The second group (n = 10) was characterized by intermediate altitude, large surface area and high maximum water depth with the minnow as sentinel species. The third group contained 14 lakes with low maximum water depths and a long retention time. For this group the bleak was found as a sentinel species. The lakes of the eastern part of Austria represented the last group (n = 3) and were characterized by low altitude and very shallow water depth with pike‐perch as a sentinel species. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)