ABSTRACT
This chapter provides several examples of the application of cytogenetic methodology to fish conservation issues in Europe, dealing with both endangered and invasive exotic species. Fishes are by far the most species-rich group of vertebrates. More than 30,000 of the 40,000 vertebrate species comprise fishes. The exploration of the enormous biodiversity is still a challenge for ichthyologists. European scientists initiated systematic research and played a leading role in fish research for many centuries. At the beginning of twentieth century, several opinions about the diversity of the European fishes had been published, and scientists started to focus more on exploring exotic countries. Important problem for fish conservation in Europe is intentional and/or accidental introduction of alien fish species. However, cytogenetics has practically never been listed among other genetic tools used in fish conservation, although Rab and Bohlen have identified those problems that can be addressed using such an approach.
