Hospital and out-of-hospital services provided by public geriatric medicine departments in Australia and New Zealand.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the types of hospital and out-of-hospital services provided by public geriatric medicine departments in Australia and New Zealand, and to explore head of department (HOD) views on issues in current and future service provision. METHODS: An electronic survey was sent to HODs of public geriatric medicine departments. RESULTS: Seventy-six (89%) of 85 identified HODs completed the survey. Seventy-one (93%) departments admit inpatients and 51 (67%) admit acute inpatients, with variable admission criteria. Sixty-four (84%) have hospitals with an inpatient general medicine service, and 58 (91%) of these admit older patients with acute geriatric issues. Sixty (79%) departments provide inpatient rehabilitation. Forty (53%) have beds for behavioural symptoms of dementia and/or delirium. Seventy (92%) provide a proactive orthogeriatric service. In terms of out-of-hospital services, 74 (97%) departments have outpatient clinics, 59 (78%) have telehealth and 68 (89%) perform home visits. Forty-five (59%) provide an inreach/outreach service to nursing homes. The most frequent gaps in service provision identified by HODs were acute geriatrics, surgical liaison, a designated dementia/delirium behavioural management unit, geriatricians in Emergency, outreach/inreach to residential care and shared care with some medical specialities. Increasing staff numbers and government policy change were the most frequently identified ways to address these gaps. CONCLUSIONS: Geriatric medicine service provision is variable across Australia and New Zealand, with key gaps identified. These findings will inform future directions in implementation of geriatric medicine models of care and discussions with various levels of government about the ongoing development of geriatric medicine services.

Distinct, direct and climate-mediated environmental controls on global particulate and mineral-associated organic carbon storage.

Identifying controls on soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, and where SOC is most vulnerable to loss, are essential to managing soils for both climate change mitigation and global food security. However, we currently lack a comprehensive understanding of the global drivers of SOC storage, especially with regards to particulate (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC). To better understand hierarchical controls on POC and MAOC, we applied path analyses to SOC fractions, climate (i.e., mean annual temperature [MAT] and mean annual precipitation minus potential evapotranspiration [MAP-PET]), carbon (C) input (i.e., net primary production [NPP]), and soil property data synthesized from 72 published studies, along with data we generated from the National Ecological Observatory Network soil pits (n = 901 total observations). To assess the utility of investigating POC and MAOC separately in understanding SOC storage controls, we then compared these results with another path analysis predicting bulk SOC storage. We found that POC storage is negatively related to MAT and soil pH, while MAOC storage is positively related to NPP and MAP-PET, but negatively related to soil % sand. Our path analysis predicting bulk SOC revealed similar trends but explained less variation in C storage than our POC and MAOC analyses. Given that temperature and pH impose constraints on microbial decomposition, this indicates that POC is primarily controlled by SOC loss processes. In contrast, strong relationships with variables related to plant productivity constraints, moisture, and mineral surface availability for sorption indicate that MAOC is primarily controlled by climate-driven variations in C inputs to the soil, as well as C stabilization mechanisms. Altogether, these results demonstrate that global POC and MAOC storage are controlled by separate environmental variables, further justifying the need to quantify and model these C fractions separately to assess and forecast the responses of SOC storage to global change.

Morphological Assessment of the Temporomandibular Joint in Asymptomatic Brachycephalic Dogs Using Computed Tomography.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) incongruity and morphological variations can result in clinical signs but have also been reported in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs. The purpose of this study was to assess TMJ morphology in a group of brachycephalic dogs using computed tomography (CT). French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS), Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers were retrospectively enrolled. The severity of the TMJ morphological changes was determined using a modified 5-grade classification system. The intra- and inter-observer agreements were calculated. One hundred fifty-three dogs were included. When evaluating the medial aspect of the TMJ in the sagittal plane, there was a spectrum of variations in the shape of the head of the condylar process of the mandible, the mandibular fossa and the retroarticular process ranging from a rounded concave TMJ with a long retroarticular process to a flattened TMJ with an absent process. Variations in the articular surface of the head of the condyle in the transverse plane ranged from flat, through curved and trapezoid to sigmoid. The prevalence of severe TMJ dysplasia (grades B3 and C) in the CKCS and French Bulldog was high (69.2% and 53.8%, respectively). The intra- and inter-observer agreements were moderate. Variations in TMJ morphology exist in asymptomatic brachycephalic dogs. Marked changes seem to be highly prevalent in the French Bulldog and CKCS and should be considered a breed variation. The TMJ classification described in this study could be used to standardize assessment of canine TMJ morphology. However, further research is needed to determine its clinical application.

Monsoonal wet season influences the migration tendency of a catadromous fish (barramundi Lates calcarifer).

Many animals exhibit partial migration, which occurs when populations contain coexisting contingents of migratory and resident individuals. This individual-level variation in migration behaviour may drive differences in growth, age at maturity and survival. Therefore, partial migration is widely considered to play a key role in shaping population demography. Otolith chemistry and microstructural analysis were used to identify the environmental- and individual-specific factors that influence migratory behaviour in the facultatively catadromous barramundi (Lates calcarifer) at two distinct life history stages: firstly, as juveniles migrating upstream into fresh water; and secondly, as adults or sub-adults returning to the estuarine/marine spawning habitat. Monsoonal climate played an important role in determining the migration propensity of juveniles: individuals born in the driest year examined (weak monsoon) were more than twice as likely to undergo migration to freshwater than those born in the wettest (strong monsoon) year. In contrast, the ontogenetic timing of return migrations to the estuary by adults and sub-adults was highly variable and not strongly associated with the environmental parameters examined. We propose that scarce resources within saline natal habitats during lower rainfall years may provide an ecological incentive for juveniles to migrate upstream, whereas more abundant resources in higher rainfall years may promote resident life histories within estuaries. We conclude that inter-annual climatic variation, here evidenced by monsoonal strength, likely plays an important role in driving the persistence of diversified life histories within wild barramundi populations.

Mild matters: trial learnings and importance of community engagement in research for early identified bilateral mild hearing loss.

Introduction: Early identification of mild hearing loss has resulted in early hearing amplification without adequate evidence of effectiveness. This paper describes learnings from a pilot trial, combined with a qualitative study, to highlight the importance of community engagement in designing research studies to determine whether early amplification benefits young children with bilateral mild hearing loss. Methods: PART 1 of the study is a proof-of-concept non-blinded multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) of hearing device fitting vs. no fitting aimed to gather preliminary data and determine its acceptability/feasibility in children <2 years old with bilateral mild hearing loss. Results: PART 2 is a qualitative study to understand the barriers/enablers to RCT participation. Of 40 potentially eligible families, nine (23%) declined, three were uncontactable (7%), 26 (65%) ineligible: of these, nine (35%) did not meet hearing threshold inclusion criteria, 11 (42%) were already fitted or had made decisions on fitting hearing device, two (7%) had conductive loss and four (16%) were ineligible for other reasons. Two of 11 (18%) eligible families were randomised. With the limited sample size, outcome measures were not compared between groups. Both participants completed the trial, reported the RCT to be acceptable, and neither changed group post-enrolment. Discussion: Whilst recruitment uptake could potentially be increased by altering the eligibility criteria, better communication with and reimbursement of clinicians as recruiters, and improving awareness of the study amongst external stakeholders, the RCT methodology does not conform to family-centred practice, and potentially raises ethical concerns regarding potential adverse consequences of not offering early amplification. Parental perception of losing control over choice of management due to randomisation is not an easily modifiable factor. Alternative methodological approaches without randomisation are required to determine whether hearing amplification benefits infants with mild hearing loss.Clinical Trial Registration: identifier [ACTRN12618001608257].

Towards vibrant fish populations and sustainable fisheries that benefit all: learning from the last 30 years to inform the next 30 years.

A common goal among fisheries science professionals, stakeholders, and rights holders is to ensure the persistence and resilience of vibrant fish populations and sustainable, equitable fisheries in diverse aquatic ecosystems, from small headwater streams to offshore pelagic waters. Achieving this goal requires a complex intersection of science and management, and a recognition of the interconnections among people, place, and fish that govern these tightly coupled socioecological and sociotechnical systems. The World Fisheries Congress (WFC) convenes every four years and provides a unique global forum to debate and discuss threats, issues, and opportunities facing fish populations and fisheries. The 2021 WFC meeting, hosted remotely in Adelaide, Australia, marked the 30th year since the first meeting was held in Athens, Greece, and provided an opportunity to reflect on progress made in the past 30 years and provide guidance for the future. We assembled a diverse team of individuals involved with the Adelaide WFC and reflected on the major challenges that faced fish and fisheries over the past 30 years, discussed progress toward overcoming those challenges, and then used themes that emerged during the Congress to identify issues and opportunities to improve sustainability in the world's fisheries for the next 30 years. Key future needs and opportunities identified include: rethinking fisheries management systems and modelling approaches, modernizing and integrating assessment and information systems, being responsive and flexible in addressing persistent and emerging threats to fish and fisheries, mainstreaming the human dimension of fisheries, rethinking governance, policy and compliance, and achieving equity and inclusion in fisheries. We also identified a number of cross-cutting themes including better understanding the role of fish as nutrition in a hungry world, adapting to climate change, embracing transdisciplinarity, respecting Indigenous knowledge systems, thinking ahead with foresight science, and working together across scales. By reflecting on the past and thinking about the future, we aim to provide guidance for achieving our mutual goal of sustaining vibrant fish populations and sustainable fisheries that benefit all. We hope that this prospective thinking can serve as a guide to (i) assess progress towards achieving this lofty goal and (ii) refine our path with input from new and emerging voices and approaches in fisheries science, management, and stewardship.

Restoring particulate and mineral-associated organic carbon through regenerative agriculture.

Sustainability of agricultural production and mitigation of global warming rely on the regeneration of soil organic carbon (SOC), in particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) forms. We conducted a global systematic meta-analysis of the effects of regenerative management practices on SOC, POC, and MAOC in cropland, finding: 1) no-till (NT) and cropping system intensification increase SOC (11.3% and 12.4%, respectively), MAOC (8.5% and 7.1%, respectively), and POC (19.7% and 33.3%, respectively) in topsoil (0 to 20 cm), but not in subsoil (>20 cm); 2) experimental duration, tillage frequency, the intensification type, and rotation diversity moderate the effects of regenerative management; and 3) NT synergized with integrated crop-livestock (ICL) systems to greatly increase POC (38.1%) and cropping intensification synergized with ICL systems to greatly increase MAOC (33.1 to 53.6%). This analysis shows that regenerative agriculture is a key strategy to reduce the soil C deficit inherent to agriculture to promote both soil health and long-term C stabilization.

Sex and male breeding state predict intraspecific trait variation in mouth-brooding fishes.

Sex-specific reproductive roles contribute to sexual dimorphic morphological trait variations. In uniparental mouth-brooding fishes, the mouth performs a reproductive function in addition to its key roles in feeding and respiration, resulting in the potential for sex-specific functional performance trade-offs. Trait differences related to parental care may occur when the individual matures or be restricted to periods when the parent is mouth-brooding. This study explored sexual dimorphism and morphological trait adaptations related to feeding, breeding, respiration and locomotion performance in two paternal mouth-brooding freshwater fishes (Glossamia aprion and Neoarius graeffei). Eight morphological traits were evaluated for sexual dimorphism (non-brooder males vs. females) and male breeding state differences (brooders vs. non-brooders). Male breeding state was a significant predictor of trait variation in both species. Brooders differed in buccal volume and in several feeding and locomotory traits compared to non-brooder males. Non-brooder males had bigger buccal volumes and relative eye diameters (G. aprion) and larger relative gape sizes (N. graeffei) compared to females, a potential response to both mouth-brooding and feeding requirements. Although there were clear trait differences between brooder and non-brooder males, further research is required to confirm whether individuals return to their former morphology once mouth-brooding has ceased or if trait differences are maintained post-brooding. This study highlights the importance of considering the potential impacts of intraspecific trait variation on the performance of critical life functions, such as feeding, respiration and locomotion across the life history.

Diverse parentage relationships in paternal mouthbrooding fishes.

While mouthbrooding is not an uncommon parental care strategy in fishes, paternal mouthbrooding only occurs in eight fish families and is little studied. The high cost of paternal mouthbrooding to the male implies a low risk of investment in another male's offspring but genetic parentage patterns are poorly known for paternal mouthbrooders. Here, we used single-nucleotide polymorphism genetic data to investigate parentage relationships of broods of two mouthbrooders of northern Australian rivers, mouth almighty Glossamia aprion and blue catfish Neoarius graeffei. For N. graeffei, we found that the parentage pattern was largely monogamous with the brooder male as the sire. For G. aprion, the parentage pattern was more heterogeneous including observations of monogamous broods with the brooder male as the sire (73%), polygyny (13%), cuckoldry (6%) and a brood genetically unrelated to the brooder male (6%). Findings demonstrate the potential for complex interrelationships of male care, paternity confidence and mating behaviour in mouthbrooding fishes.

Environmental drivers of recruitment in a tropical fishery: Monsoonal effects and vulnerability to water abstraction.

Fisheries and natural water resources across the world are under increasing pressure from human activity, including fishing and irrigated agriculture. There is an urgent need for information on the climatic/hydrologic drivers of fishery productivity that can be readily applied to management. We use a generalized linear mixed model framework of catch curve regression to resolve the key climatic/hydrological drivers of recruitment in Barramundi Lates calcarifer using biochronological (otolith aging) data collected from four river-estuary systems in the Northern Territory, Australia. These models were then used to generate estimates of the year class strength (YCS) outcomes of different water abstraction scenarios (ranging from 10% to 40% abstraction per season/annum) for two of the rivers in low, moderate, and high discharge years. Barramundi YCS displayed strong interannual variation and was positively correlated with regional monsoon activity in all four rivers. River-specific analyses identified strong relationships between YCS and several river-specific hydrology variables, including wet and dry season discharge and flow duration. Water abstraction scenario models based on YCS-hydrology relationships predicted reductions of >30% in YCS in several cases, suggesting that increased water resource development in the future may pose risks for Barramundi recruitment and fishery productivity. Our study demonstrates the importance of the tropical monsoon as a driver of Barramundi recruitment and the potential for detrimental impacts of increased water abstraction on fishery productivity. The biochronological and statistical approaches we used have the potential to be broadly applied to inform policy and management of water resource and fisheries.

Mild matters: parental insights into the conundrums of managing mild congenital hearing loss.

OBJECTIVE: To explore and describe parental experiences related to the management of mild bilateral congenital hearing loss in children. DESIGN: Using qualitative methods, we conducted semi-structured interviews with parents/caregivers until saturation of themes was achieved. We analysed transcripts using inductive content analysis. STUDY SAMPLE: Caregivers of children under 3-years-old with mild bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. RESULTS: We interviewed 12 parents. Parental perception of advice regarding hearing aid fitting was varied; almost all children were offered hearing aids. Perceived positives related to hearing aids: feeling empowered that action has been taken; improvements in the child's hearing perception and; facilitation of behavioural management. Perceived negatives of hearing aid use: difficulties with compliance resulting in parental frustration and guilt, damage/loss of equipment, discomfort, parental discord, altered quality of natural sound and potential bullying/stigma. Some parents were ambivalent about the effect of the hearing aids. Where hearing aids were offered and not fitted, there was significant ongoing uncertainty, and the family carried the burden of their decision. CONCLUSIONS: There was a wide variation in perceived advice regarding early hearing aid fitting in children with mild bilateral hearing loss. We identified parental perceptions of positive/negative impacts of hearing aid fitting and potential perceived harms from not fitting.

Unravelling the taxonomy and identification of a problematic group of benthic fishes from tropical rivers (Gobiidae: Glossogobius).

Flathead gobies (genus Glossogobius) include c. 40 small- to medium-sized benthic fishes found primarily in freshwater habitats across the Indo-Pacific, having biodiversity value as well as cultural and economic value as food fishes, especially in developing countries. To help resolve considerable confusion regarding the identification of some of the larger-growing Glossogobius species, a systematic framework was established using nuclear genetic markers, mitochondrial DNA barcoding and phenotypic evidence for a geographically widespread collection of individuals from the waterways of tropical northern Australia. Species boundaries and distribution patterns were discordant with those previously reported, most notably for the tank goby Glossogobius giuris, which included a cryptic species. Genetic divergence was matched with accompanying unique visual characters that aid field identification. Additional taxonomic complexity was also evident, by comparison with DNA barcodes from international locations, suggesting that the specific names applicable for two of the candidate species in Australia remain unresolved due to confusion surrounding type specimens. Although flathead gobies are assumed to be widespread and common, this study demonstrates that unrealised taxonomic and ecological complexity is evident, and this will influence assessments of tropical biodiversity and species conservation. This study supports the need for taxonomic studies of freshwater fishes to underpin management in areas subject to significant environmental change.

Faster juvenile growth promotes earlier sex change in a protandrous hermaphrodite (barramundi Lates calcarifer).

The relationship between growth and sexual maturation is central to understanding the dynamics of animal populations which exhibit indeterminate growth. In sequential hermaphrodites, which undergo post-maturation sex change, the size and age at which sex change occurs directly affects reproductive output and hence population productivity. However, these traits are often labile, and may be strongly influenced by heterogenous growth and mortality rates. We analysed otolith microstructure of a protandrous (i.e., male-to-female) fish (barramundi Lates calcarifer) to examine growth in relation to individual variation in the timing of sex change. Growth trajectories of individuals with contrasting life histories were examined to elucidate the direction and extent to which growth rate influences the size and age individuals change sex. Then, the relationships between growth rate, maturation schedules and asymptotic maximum size were explored to identify potential trade-offs between age at female maturity and growth potential. Rapid growth was strongly associated with decreased age at sex change, but this was not accompanied by a decrease in size at sex change. Individuals that were caught as large females grew faster than those caught as males, suggesting that fast-growing individuals ultimately obtain higher fitness and therefore make a disproportionate contribution to population fecundity. These results indicate that individual-level variation in maturation schedules is not reflective of trade-offs between growth and reproduction. Rather, we suggest that conditions experienced during the juvenile phase are likely to be a key determinant of post-maturation fitness. These findings highlight the vulnerability of sex-changing species to future environmental change and harvest.

Uterine didelphys with dicavitary twin gestation: A case report.

Uterine didelphys is a rare type of congenital uterine anomaly resulting from incomplete fusion of the paramesonephric ducts during embryogenesis. We report the case of a 27-year-old multiparous woman who presented with ovulation-induced dicavitary dichorionic diamniotic twins in known uterine didelphys. At 29 + 5 weeks of gestation, the patient had preterm prelabour rupture of membranes followed by threatened preterm labour in the right uterus only, which settled with tocolysis. The pregnancy continued for a further 9 days, at which time uterine tightenings returned and the right cervix was fully dilated, resulting in successful vaginal delivery of the first twin, leaving the placenta in situ. The left uterus and cervix remained quiescent for a further 24 h before contractions returned, resulting in emergency caesarean section, with the successful delivery of the second twin. As a rare phenomenon, there is sparse literature on the management of dicavitary twin gestation in uterine didelphys. This case report adds to the evidence for independent functioning of uteri and cervices in cases of uterine didelphys which may enable interval delivery delay in this cohort with known increased risk of preterm birth.

Concurrent Escherichia coli tubo-ovarian abscess and Campylobacter jejuni gastroenteritis: A case report.

Haematogenous or direct spread of bacterial infection causing pelvic inflammatory disease of the upper female reproductive tract is uncommon. We report a diagnostically challenging case of a 41-year-old woman with a background of Stage 4 endometriosis presenting with fever, diarrhoea and abdominal pain with recent history of pyelonephritis. Initially managed for undifferentiated abdominal pain with unclear focus of infection, a broad range of investigations were undertaken. Laboratory samples confirmed the presence of Campylobacter jejuni and appropriate treatment for Campylobacteriosis was commenced. Despite treatment, her condition deteriorated and repeat radiological imaging revealed bilateral tubo-ovarian abscess requiring surgical drainage for control of severe sepsis. Sterile surgical samples of the abscess revealed Escherichia coli. This case adds to the growing body of evidence of the association between pelvic inflammatory disease, severe endometriosis and development of tubo-ovarian abscess. Sepsis associated with tubo-ovarian abscess has a mortality rate of up to 10%. Hence, we present this case to highlight severe endometriosis as a risk factor for disease and the need for prompt reassessment of the deteriorating woman with sepsis and pelvic pain to direct efforts to minimise morbidity and mortality.

Does a bigger mouth make you fatter? Linking intraspecific gape variability to body condition of a tropical predatory fish.

In gape-limited predators, gape size restricts the maximum prey size a predator is capable to ingest. However, studies investigating the energetic consequences of this relationship remain scarce. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that gape-size variability influences individual body condition (a common proxy for fitness) in one of the largest freshwater teleost predators, the barramundi. We found that individual barramundi with larger gapes relative to body size had higher body condition values compared to conspecifics with smaller gapes. Body condition was highest soon after the wet season, a period of high feeding activity on productive inundated floodplains, and body condition decreased as the dry season progressed when fish were restricted to dry season remnant habitats. The increased condition obtained during the wet season apparently offsets weight loss through the dry season, as individuals with large gapes were still in better condition than fish with small gapes in the late-dry season. Elucidation of the links between intraspecific variability in traits and performance is a critical challenge in functional ecology. This study emphasizes that even small intraspecific variability in morphological trait values can potentially affect individual fitness within a species' distribution.

Consensus practice parameter: audiological assessment and management of unilateral hearing loss in children.

Objective: Provide recommendations to audiologists for the management of children with unilateral hearing loss (UHL) and for needed research that can lend further insight into important unanswered questions.Design: An international panel of experts on children with UHL was convened following a day and a half of presentations on the same. The evidence reviewed for this parameter was gathered through web-based literature searches specifically designed for academic and health care resources, recent systematic reviews of literature, and new research presented at the conference that underwent peer review for publication by the time of this writing.Study sample: Expert opinions and electronic databases including Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, Education Resources Information Centre (ERIC), Google Scholar, PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Turning Research into Practice (TRIP) Database.Results: The resulting practice parameter requires a personalised, family-centred process: (1) routine surveillance of speech-language, psychosocial, auditory, and academic or pre-academic development; (2) medical assessments for determination of aetiology of hearing loss; (3) assessment of hearing technologies; and (4) considerations for family-centred counselling.Conclusions: This practice parameter provides guidance to clinical audiologists on individualising the management of children with UHL. In addition, the paper concludes with recommendations for research priorities.

Migration to freshwater increases growth rates in a facultatively catadromous tropical fish.

Diadromy is a form of migration where aquatic organisms undergo regular movements between fresh and marine waters for the purposes of feeding and reproduction. Despite having arisen in independent lineages of fish, gastropod molluscs and crustaceans, the evolutionary drivers of diadromous migration remain contentious. We test a key aspect of the 'productivity hypothesis', which proposes that diadromy arises in response to primary productivity differentials between marine and freshwater habitats. Otolith chemistry and biochronology data are analysed in a facultatively catadromous tropical fish (barramundi, Lates calcarifer) to determine the effect of freshwater residence on growth rates. Individuals that accessed freshwater grew ~ 25% faster on average than estuarine residents in the year following migration, suggesting that catadromy provides a potential fitness advantage over non-catadromous (marine/estuarine) life histories, as predicted by the productivity hypothesis. Although diadromous barramundi exhibited faster growth than non-diadromous fish, we suggest that the relative reproductive success of diadromous and non-diadromous contingents is likely to be strongly influenced by local environmental variability such as temporal differences in river discharge, and that this may facilitate the persistence of diverse life history strategies within populations.

Intraspecific morphological and reproductive trait variation in mouth almighty Glossamia aprion (Apogonidae) across different flow environments.

Intraspecific variability, although comparably less studied than interspecific variation, is an important tool in understanding population responses to environmental gradients. This study investigated intraspecific trait variation across three contrasting aquatic flow habitat types (intermittent creek, billabong and river) in a common mouth-brooding freshwater fish in northern Australia, the mouth almighty Glossamia aprion. Samples of G. aprion were collected at various sites, within the Daly River catchment. It was predicted that a number of morphological and reproductive traits would vary among individuals across the contrasting habitats. Five out of the nine morphological and reproductive traits studied significantly varied across flow habitat types. Significant intraspecific variation in functional traits related to foraging and reproduction, such as relative eye size, eye vertical position and relative maxillary length in males suggest that the inherent characteristics of each flow habitat type could be exerting selective pressure on the morphology of G. aprion. Interestingly, traits related to swimming performance (body lateral shape) and manoeuvrability (pectoral fin ventral position) differed between flow habitat types but showed inconsistent responses to predictions. Whilst this study was temporally and spatially limited, it highlights that intraspecific variability in morphological traits can occur among flow habitat types over relatively small spatial scales.