Diving into temporary pools: a global perspective on freshwater fish research

Abstract Freshwater temporary pools are ephemeral habitats with high structural and physicochemical variability. Many dry out during the dry season and host seasonal killifishes, among the most threatened freshwater fishes. These ecosystems support diverse fish communities and are highly vulnerable to climate change. This systematic review aimed to uncover global research trends and gaps concerning fish inhabiting freshwater temporary pools and to test the hypothesis that public policies influence scientific production. Covering the period from 1981 to 2024, it analyses 115 peer-reviewed articles. Geographically, research was concentrated in South America and Africa, particularly in Brazil. Reproduction and taxonomy were the most common study areas, with the focus primarily on Rivulidae and Nothobranchiidae. Notably, 62 species of Rivulidae and 12 of Nothobranchiidae were studied, while other 100 species from other families received limited attention. Knowledge gaps persist in areas such as ecotoxicology, physiology, trophic ecology, behavior and parasitology. Our findings suggest that public policies did not directly influence publication trends about fish in freshwater temporary pools and emphasize the need to integrate scientific knowledge with conservation planning. A broader focus on other fish clades and ecological aspects will be critical for protecting the biodiversity of these vulnerable ecosystems.