Field of work
As part of my research, I have developed identification keys for the ichthyofauna of the freshwaters of Germany and Sulawesi. Many of the local fish species are difficult to differentiate at first glance. While in Germany, for example, certain species of Cobitidae or Leuciscidae are very similar to each other, Sulawesi is home to various species of Oxudercidae or Telmatherinidae, for instance, that have developed as a result of adaptive radiation.
The identification keys are based on pictograms illustrating the relevant characteristics in both parts of each binary identification step. I used the specimens from the MKB fish collection as templates to create the illustrations. By providing the pictograms and focusing on the most important identification features, the keys are intended to be user-friendly and usable for a wide target group, e. g. ecologists, students on different levels and anglers, while considering the current state of research.
Promoting species knowledge aims to provide the framework for successful species conservation.
Research interests
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taxonomy and systematics
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morphology
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interspecific interactions
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biodiversity research
Memberships
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ichthyologie
