Riparian ecotones are either within the bankfull lines (instream ecotones) or beyond (bank vegetation and floodplains). Instream ecotones (e.g. gravel bars) are most intimately and permanently interconnected with the stream system. The third order river Melk was channelized some decades ago with devastating effects on the fish fauna. The restoration of instream ecotones and of the riparian vegetation improved the fish population immediately. Instream ecotones are equally important for the fish community in high order streams. Data are given for the 9th order Danube. The duration of floodplain inundation is unpredictable but generally short in the temperate climatic zone. Fish do not migrate far into the inundated terrestrial vegetation but stay in or near to the enlarged backwaters. In backwaters separated from the main stream, a potamal fish population survives in an otherwise rhithral stream section. Floodplain inundation is predictable and lasts over long periods in the tropics. Fish and invertebrates are adapted to use the vast resources of habitats and food by active migration into the inundated forests.
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