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Introduction to the “Second International Workshop on Umbra krameri”- 30 years after: gains in knowledge on the biology of the species
No full textA review of the literature published after the first international workshop on Umbra krameri in 1995 is given Suppl. material 1. Most studies deal with faunistic and distribution of the European mudminnow. A noticeable number of new population findings contrasts with reports of declining and vanished populations and challenges the use of detailed distribution maps. Furthermore, some studies explored the species-habitat relationships using various habitat descriptors. Population genetics was another important topic in recent decades showing strong population differentiation across the distribution area. Genome size increase in Umbridae was investigated in relation to other Esocidae with new insights for the European species. Further emphasis was given to interactions with the invasive Amur sleeper (Percottus glenii) specifically competition and predation. Conservation programs including ex-situ breeding, reintroductions and habitat improvements have started in several countries showing significant success
Beyond the Net: Optimizing eDNA Sampling and Analysis for Challenging Muddy Habitats and the Endangered Weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis)
No full textElusive and endangered species are prime candidates for environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring (Duarte et al. 2023). The European weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) is one such species where traditional fishing methods may not yield conclusive results on its presence/absence. On the other hand, eDNA monitoring is less labour-intensive than conventional methods and may require only a small amount of water if species-specific qPCR/ddPCR markers are utilised (Thomsen et al. 2011, Sigsgaard et al. 2015, Kusanke et al. 2020, Brys et al. 2020). We aim to develop a standardised eDNA protocol that would provide additional information to traditional fishing surveys of Misgurnus . Such surveys are especially challenging in smaller vegetated waterbodies and wetlands in Central Europe where electrofishing, dip-netting, or fish trapping may not be feasible. As such, these wetland habitats are also among the most neglected European habitats despite facing considerable threats (Šmejkal et al. 2025). We are currently testing eDNA field sampling procedures and laboratory analyses that will be functional across all known M. fossilis haplotypes and tailored to the specific challenges of muddy-water habitats (e.g., collection farther from shore without stirring up sediment, clogging of filters after filtering small volumes, qPCR inhibition) and their mosaic distribution across the landscape. The latter poses challenges for large-scale monitoring campaigns where maintaining sample storage and transport at sub-zero temperatures in the field may not be possible. Non-frozen samples may be fixated, however, the use of fixatives increases the risk of contamination, limits the volume sampled (e.g., early fixated samples required 35 ml of fixatives (ethanol and sodium acetate) added to 15 ml of water; Ficetola et al. 2008), and such samples may have significantly lower DNA yields (Kusanke et al. 2020). The issues posed by the ethanol-sodium acetate fixation may be alleviated by using other reagents, such as lysis buffers, which allow eDNA preservation even in extreme conditions, e.g., remote localities in arid African savannas (Schenekar et al. 2024).The optimised protocol should be cost-effective and straightforward enough to be used by citizen science projects. The species-specific markers are primarily optimised to be multiplexed, allowing us to combine multiple markers from a single species to increase the probability of detection (Brys et al. 2023) as well as to simultaneously discriminate other co-occurring fish species, primarily the endangered crucian carp (Carassius carassius) (Šmejkal et al. 2025). Moreover, multiplexing lowers the cost and handling effort of analyses (Jo et al. 2019) and, by decreasing the necessary volume of eDNA sample used per reaction, increases the number of tests that can be performed on a single sample when DNA extraction volumes are low (Wozney and Wilson 2017). Multiplexing also allows for the addition of an inhibition-sensitive internal positive control (IPC). Further markers—such as those specific to invasive species of Misgurnus or Carassius—may be included to provide additional information on the current state of the localities in question. eDNA is a valuable tool for early detection of invaders present even at low densities (Jo et al. 2019, Jerde 2019) and, as such, may aid in monitoring invasive Asian weatherfish species, the spread of which is currently of high concern in Europe. Their early detection is crucial, as once established, the removal of invasive weatherfish is extremely challenging—the fish may remain alive buried in sediment for months even when the affected waterbodies are drained (Cano‐Barbacil et al. 2025)
The situation of Umbra krameri Walbaum, 1792, in Romania
No full textThe European mudminnow (Umbra krameri) is an endemic species of the Danube and Dniester River basins and is classified as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List. Due to the drainage of marshes and swamps, as well as the significant reduction of floodplains, its populations in the Carpathian Basin have drastically declined in recent decades. In Romania, its distribution is restricted to wetland habitats at lower altitudes outside the Carpathians. During our surveys over the past 10 years, the species has not been found in many of its previously known locations. However, we have discovered several new, previously unknown populationsSuppl. material 1 (e.g., Homorodul Vechi River, Upper Ier Watershed etc.). These populations do not indicate the species' expansion but rather highlight the under-researched nature of its potential habitats. Restoring the species' former habitats, along with the proper protection of its current habitats, could significantly improve the species' situation. At the same time, reassessing its current status and reclassify the species from the vulnerable category to the endangered category is necessary
Towards the Establishment of Conservation Units of the Endangered European Weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis)
No full textThe European weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) has suffered significant declines across its distribution area due to extensive anthropogenic habitat destruction. As a result, many European countries classify the species currently as ‘endangered’ or ‘critically endangered’. Misgurnus fossilis is also known for exhibiting exceptionally low genetic diversity throughout Europe if compared to other freshwater fish species. This study analyses the genetic diversity of M. fossilis based on mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear DNA (nuDNA) sequence data from 30 populations across Central Europe and two from Eastern Europe. Both datasets reveal that populations from the Czech Republic, Austria, and Bavaria form a genetically distinct lineage, separate from other European populations. This lineage is found in three major river basins — Elbe, Danube, and Oder — but is geographically isolated by surrounding mountain ranges. Despite at least two natural contact zones between the CZ-A-Bav lineage and other groups and a relatively small genetic distance between them, the two should be recognised as separate conservation units. In Austria, Bavaria, and the Czech Republic, the populations are typically geographically extremely limited and small, making them highly vulnerable to the ongoing landscape and climatic changes leading to the disappearance of surface water. These populations are experiencing a rapid and alarming decline. Given their precarious status and ecological uniqueness, this Central European conservation unit should be classified as critically endangered and prioritised for protection. Urgent habitat conservation efforts are essential, not only for M. fossilis but also for the broader ecological community that coexists with it
Is there any chance in a three-front war? The past, present and possible future of muddy water fish species in Hungarian waters
No full textIn this presentation we focus on key aspects that have affected wetland fish species in the past and affect them presently, as well as new challenges they are likely to face in the future. Numerous factors have influenced the fish fauna of the Carpathian Basin over the centuries. The first major changes were caused by river regulation, which began in the early 18th century. This was followed by the introduction of non-native species through both illegal and legal stocking and their natural spread. Finally, increasingly rapid climate change has begun to cause ever greater problems. Due to the combined effects of these three processes, muddy water fish populations are now on the edge of extinction. Here, we demonstrate how current maintenance practices are destroying the remaining populations of weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) in the lowland stream and channel network systems. Additionally, the co-occurrence of invasive marbled crayfish (Procambarus virginalis) and several invasive fish species (e.g. Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii, Jaguar guapote Parachromis managuensis, Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki) has affected the population of the European mudminnow (Umbra krameri) in the western drainage region of Lake Balaton. We emphasise the challenge posed by non-native species, which will require sustained management in the future, as well as changes in water management practices and angling stocking programs. Education programmes targeting all age groups, from children to adults, are also required. All of these measures are urgently needed to ensure the preservation of muddy-water fish species in Hungarian waters
Orobanche andryalae (Orobanchaceae): a new species from the Canary Islands
No full textA new species of Orobanche is described from the Canary Islands. The plant belongs to the complicated Subsection Minores and has a distinct combination of morphological features, ecology, and host specificity. The markedly cernuous corolla, high filament insertion and colouration distinguishes Orobanche andryalae from closely related species with which it has been previously confused, and which do not occur in the Canary Islands, including O. amethystea subsp. castellana and O. calendulae; these features remain stable in cultivation. Orobanche andryalae appears to be parasitic almost exclusively on Andryala spp., and occurs on thermophilus volcanic substrates in northern Lanzarote, northwest Tenerife and Jandía in Fuerteventura. An updated key to the Orobanche of the Canary Islands is presented, including the new taxon we describe here
Phylogeny and phenotype of Filobasidium revealing three new species (Filobasidiaceae, Filobasidiales) from China
No full textThe genus Filobasidium, a member of the family Filobasidiaceae in the order Filobasidiales, is a group of basidiomycetes with many representative species. To date, 14 species have been described and accepted in Filobasidium. Although some newfound species from China have recently been published, the species diversity of Filobasidium remains incompletely understood. Samples from various areas of China were obtained and examined to investigate the species diversity of the genus. Three new species, namely F. pseudomali sp. nov., F. castaneae sp. nov., and F. qingyuanense sp. nov., were introduced based on phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene and the ITS sequence alone coupled with phenotypic characteristics. Full descriptions, illustrations, comparisons with similar species, and phylogenetic analyses are provided. Findings from this study substantially enrich the biodiversity of Filobasidium in China
High variability in chromosome number from a clade within the gourami family (Teleostei, Osphronemidae)
No full textIdentifying clades with extensive and conspicuous changes in diploid chromosome number (2n) is an important step in unraveling the evolutionary mechanisms underlying karyotype evolution. Here, we report low 2n in a monophyletic group of teleost fishes within the family Osphronemidae defined by their unique spiral egg structure (the “spiral egg” clade). We sampled seven of the nine known species within the spiral egg clade, reporting novel 2n for five species and confirming two others. We find high variability in both 2n and chromosome arm number (fundamental number, FN), suggesting a 2n reduction during the emergence of the clade and numerous large-scale mutations across evolutionary time. These data provide important information in cataloguing 2n shifts in teleost fishes and highlight this group for further study in chromosomal and genomic evolution due to their karyotypic heterogeneity
Four new species of Pichia (Pichiales, Pichiaceae) isolated from China
No full textThe genus Pichia belonging to the family Pichiaceae is widely distributed worldwide and has garnered significant attention due to its importance in various industries and its potential role in human infections. During our investigation of yeast diversity in China, several strains representing undescribed taxa were isolated from forests in Hainan province, Hubei province, Beijing city and a mudflat in Guangdong province. Based on phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA, these strains were identified as four new species: Pichia kregeriana sp. nov. (holotype strain CGMCC 2.7383T), P. phaffii sp. nov. (holotype strain CGMCC 2.8239T), P. ureolytica sp. nov. (holotype strain CGMCC 2.6825T) and P. wuzhishanensis f.a. sp. nov. (holotype strain CGMCC 2.7381T). The six strains of P. ureolytica were identified as positive for urease production. This phenomenon is extremely rare in the genus Pichia, as only P. bovicola is reported to exhibit weak urease activity
Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses reveal five new species of Hymenochaetales (Agaricomycetes, Basidiomycota) from southwestern China
No full textWood-inhabiting fungi can decompose wood materials and play a crucial role in the natural world by maintaining the equilibrium of the Earth’s ecosystems. In the present study, five new wood-inhabiting fungal species belonging to the order Hymenochaetales, Hymenochaete weishanensis, Lyomyces albofarinaceus, Lyomyces albomarginatus, Tubulicrinis albobadius and Xylodon musicola, collected from southern China, are proposed based on a combination of morphological features and molecular evidence. Hymenochaete weishanensis is characterized by a coriaceous, tuberculate hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with simple-septate generative hyphae, and ellipsoid to narrow ellipsoid basidiospores (4.0–5.0 × 2.0–3.0 µm); Lyomyces albofarinaceus is characterized by pruinose hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae, and broadly ellipsoid basidiospores (6.0–7.0 × 5.0–6.0 µm); Lyomyces albomarginatus is characterized by the cracked hymenial surface, clamped generative hyphae, and elliposoid basidiospores (4.0–5.5 × 2.7–3.5 µm); Tubulicrinis albobadius is characterized by an arachnoid hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae and cylindrical to allantoid basidiospores (4.0–6.0 × 1.5–2.2 µm) and Xylodon musicola is characterized by an arachnoid hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system with clamped generative hyphae and broadly ellipsoid to globe basidiospores (4.0–5.5 × 3.5–5.0 µm). Sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) and the large subunit (nrLSU) of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) markers of the studied samples were generated. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. Full descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analysis results for the five new species are provided