Interaction between non-native predatory fishes and native galaxiids (Pisces: Galaxiidae) shapes food web structure in Tasmanian lakes

Date

2020-04-01

Author

Vidal, Nicolas
Trochine, Carolina
Amsinck, Susanne L.
Barmuta, Leon A.
Christoffersen, Kirsten S.
Ventura, Marc
Buchaca, Teresa
Landkildehus, Frank
Hardie, Scott A.
Meerhoff, Mariana
Jeppesen, Erik

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Non-native fish invasions threaten native fauna and ecosystem functioning, not least in isolated island lakes. In Tasmania, where the native fish are mostly galaxiids, 9 non-native freshwater fish species have been introduced over the past 150 years, with uncertain ecological outcomes. We evaluated the effects of non-native predatory fishes (NNPF) and various environmental and biological variables on the trophic niche of native fish (galaxiids) and potential cascading effects. We analysed Layman's food web metrics based on both stable isotope (delta N-15 and delta C-13) values and fish stomach contents in 14 shallow Tasmanian lakes along a NNPF abundance gradient. The food web metrics calculated were (1) range of delta C-13 (CR) and delta N-15 (NR) centroid distance (CD) and (2) standard ellipse area. Our results showed that NNPF relative abundance in the fish catch per unit effort was negatively related to the galaxiids' trophic niche metrics (e.g., CRG, NRG, and CDG), trophic position, and the pelagic contribution to the diet. Moreover, the proportion of galaxiids in the diet of NNPF was higher in turbid lakes. The zooplankton standard ellipse area was negatively correlated with the pelagic contribution to the NNPF diet, and NNPF relative abundance was positively correlated with the maximum body size of calanoid copepods. While our results suggest a negative effect of NNPF on the trophic niche of galaxiids, the cascading effect on phytoplankton biomass was weak. Non-native predatory fish affect native fish prey, and the outcome of these interactions should be considered for conservation purposes, particularly for island lakes, such as those in Tasmania.

Subject Keywords

Aquatic Science, Water Science and Technology

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/68563

Collections

Department of Biology, Article