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- Title
Historical analysis reveals ecological shifts in two omnivorous fish after the invasion of Limnoperna fortunei in the Uruguay river.
- Authors
González-Bergonzoni, Ivan; Vidal, Nicolás; D'Anatro, Alejandro; Teixeira de Mello, Franco; Silva, Ivana; Naya, Daniel E.
- Abstract
Since the Asian golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, was first reported in the Río de la Plata in the 90's, its invasion has continuously expanded throughout South America, promoting several negative ecosystem consequences. Several fish species consume and assimilate large fractions of L. fortunei in their biomass, partially controlling the abundance of this invader, but potential fish dietary and trophic niche modifications caused by the invasion have not been studied in deep. Through gut content, stable isotopes and gut morphometry analysis of field-collected and historical museum samples, the potential dietary, trophic niche and physiological consequences of the invasion for two predatory fish of the golden mussel were surveyed. The analysis of historical samples of some of the most frequent and abundant L. fortunei consumers, such as Megaleporinus obtusidens and Pimelodus maculatus, revealed changes in trophic niche when fish started to incorporate L. fortunei. Specifically, an increase in trophic position and a reduction in diet diversity was observed for both predators. Also, a reduction in dietary generalism occurred for M. obtusidens. Furthermore, the digestive tract mass of this species decreased after the invasion, that is, in parallel to a markedly increase in the consumption of animal material. This research raised several questions about the potential effect of L. fortunei on growth rates and abundances of M. obtusidens and P. maculatus, two of the most important species in commercial fisheries in the Uruguay river. Also, it may assist in predicting food web changes to be expected in newly invaded areas.
- Subjects
URUGUAY; RIO de la Plata (Argentina &; Uruguay); HISTORICAL analysis; OMNIVORES; FISHERIES; FOOD chains; ALIMENTARY canal; STABLE isotopes; FISH anatomy
- Publication
Biological Invasions, 2023, Vol 25, Issue 6, p1935
- ISSN
1387-3547
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10530-023-03020-8