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We work in different types of human-modified freshwater ecosystems, such as urban and agricultural streams, ditches, wetland-based water treatment systems, restored riparian zones, ponds, and aquaria. In all cases, we employ animals as sentinels of environmental change, conducting assessments at different levels of biological organization—from individuals to communities—depending on the study scale.
Freshwater fishes
Freshwater fishes are our favourite animals. We study variation in species composition and various aspects of fish biology, including physiology, diet, metal bioaccumulation, microbes, and parasites. For community-scale studies, we utilize our comprehensive datasets covering all fish species in streams of north-eastern Spain. At the species level, our research is focused on the mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki.
Fish food-web partners
To get a holistic understanding of how freshwater ecosystems function, our research extends beyond fish to include other key organisms in freshwater food-webs. This includes animals that are abundant in the presence of fish, as well as those that thrive in fish absence, particularly the larvae of medically relevant insects such as mosquitoes.
Riparian and aquatic vegetation
Although we are not plant biologists, we study vegetation due to its critical ecological role as habitat-forming species for aquatic animals and as natural water-treatment systems. Our research focuses on the interaction between animals and plants, such as the giant reed Arundo donax, the submerged plants Ceratophyllum demersum or Egeria densa, and different species of riparian tree species, including Alnus glutinosa.
Aquarium hobby
Drawing on over two decades of experience as a professional aquarist, I am applying aquarist knowledge to develop nature-inspired solutions for aquatic habitat restoration and to gain insights into the functioning of food webs through experimental research. Recognizing the potential of the aquarium trade as a source of invasive species, I am also using aquarist expertise to improve management practices in the pet trade.
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