Growth in length and weight, based on a combination of scale annulus interpretation and back-calculation using the Fraser-Lee model, was studied in male and female barbel, Barbus barbus, from a section of the River Jihlava sampled in 1999–2001. Results were compared with growth data obtained with similar methods in 1976, prior to construction and functioning of a hydropower scheme complex, and during the period of the scheme’s partial operation (1980–1984). Recent growth rate, under seemingly fully-stabilised environmental conditions and complete adaptation of the barbel population, showed the highest distinct sexual dimorphism in growth rate was also confirmed, with females growing faster than males, though to a lower extent than recorded both during previous periods and from several other localities. Further, upon comparison of back-calculated lengths for previous years of recently tagged-and-recaptured fish (1999–2001) with observed lengths directly measured at corresponding ages, no significant differences were overall found between the results obtained by either method in most age groups. Finally, the linear Fraser-Lee model proved a sufficiently accurate and practical method for back-calculating lengths for previous years of life also in barbel.
The bleak, Alburnus alburnus, is an invasive fish in the Iberian Peninsula, where this species mainly disturbs the higly endemic fauna via competition and aggression. Despite this impact, information on bleak autecology is scarce in the Iberian Peninsula, with no data on growth and reproduction. The aim of the present study was to compare bleak populations across four Iberian streams: Muga, Fluviá, Cardener and Foix (northeastern Iberian Peninsula).These streams have similar enviromental conditions at the regional scale (e.g. Mediterranean climate, geomorphology). In Muga and Foix streams, bleak showed lower growth rate and back-calculated lenght at age 2. Body condition was lower in Foix streams, whereas lenght at maturity was higher. In Muga stream, the proportiun of females was lower. In Cardener stream, bleak showed higher back-calculated lenght at ages I and 2, growth rate, body condition and reproductive investment. Results showed that bleak populations are able to display wide phenotypic plasticity in small Mediterranean-type rivers. Specifically, bleak population "health" appears to be better in Cardener stream, whereas it is worse in Muga and Foix streams. Present findings suggest that inter-population plasticity allows bleak more successfully to invade Mediterranean fresh waters in the Iberian Peninsula.