Behavior, Ecology and Evolution of Subterranean Fish

Dear Colleagues,

There are currently 304 species of cave and groundwater fishes, 53 species of interstitial fishes, and 55 species with troglomorphic features from non-subterranean habitats, such as deep rivers, reaching 412 taxa. This significant level of diversity is particularly intriguing and represents great models for behavioral, ecological, and evolutionary studies. Caves and other subterranean habitats can represent filters and the specializations found in these taxa are unique.

These specializations include mainly aspects of behavior, morphology and ecology. Even more, many species occur in regions without legal protection, and there is a great need for studies and proposals for effective protection. Finally, due to global climate change, parts of these underground habitats (whether lakes, rivers, flooded caves or phreatic waters) are under threat. Therefore, increasing knowledge about these species is essential.

We cordially invite the submission of original or review papers focusing on the behavior, ecology and evolution of subterranean fish. Your valued research is of the highest significance to us.

We enthusiastically look forward to receiving your original manuscripts for consideration in this Special Issue. Together, let us expand our understanding of the behavior, ecology, and evolution of subterranean fish, improving the conservation of these particular fauna.

Kind regards,

Dr. Maria Elina Bichuette
Dr. Yahui Zhao
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fishes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• subterranean fish
• population ecology
• diversity
• conservation
• troglomorphisms