Turbidity effects on feeding by larvae of the endemic Ambystoma mexicanum and the introduced Oreochromis niloticus in Lake Xochimilco, Mexico
Por:
Chaparro-Herrera, D. J., Nandini, S., Sarma S.S.S.
Publicada:
1 ene 2020
Categoría:
Aquatic science
Resumen:
We tested the effects of turbidity on the prey consumption by larvae of
an endemic predator (Ambystoma mexicanum) and an introduced predator
(Oreochromis niloncus). Prey visibility is influenced by turbidity due
to organic (algae, detritus) or inorganic (sediment) matter. We
hypothesized that the axolotl would be more adversely influenced by high
turbidity as compared to Tilapia, resulting in a decrease in the
population of the former under natural conditions. In order to test
this, we conducted prey preference experiments and tested the reactive
distance of both predators at different turbidity levels. Prey species
used were the cladocerans Alona glabra, Moina macrocopa, Macrothrix
triserialis and Simocephalus vetulus and the ostracod Heterocypris
incongruens. In both, clear and turbid waters, the fish consumed about
17.5% and 2.5%, respectively, more prey. The axolotl had a greater
preference for H. incongruens and M. triserialis, and the fish for S.
vetulus and M. triserialis. These results indicate that turbidity
decreases the visual ability during the larval stages of A. mexicanum
which in turn influences its capacity to compete against the invasive
fish. Implications of these results on conservation efforts for the
highly endangered Ambystoma mexicanum are discussed. (C) 2019 European
Regional Centre for Ecohydrology of the Polish Academy of Sciences.
Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Filiaciones:
Chaparro-Herrera, D. J.:
Laboratorio de Bacteriología, División de Investigación y Posgrado, Edificio UIICSE, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, FES Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de México C.P. 54090, Mexico
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Div Invest & Posgrad, Lab Bacteriol, FES Iztacala, Edificio UIICSE, Tlalnepantla 54090, Edo De Mexico, Mexico
Nandini, S.:
Laboratorio de Zoología Acuática, División de Investigación y Posgrado, Edificio UMF, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, FES Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de México C.P. 54090, Mexico
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Div Invest & Posgrad, Lab Zool Acuat, FES Iztacala, Edificio UMF, Tlalnepantla 54090, Edo De Mexico, Mexico
Sarma S.S.S.:
Laboratorio de Zoología Acuática, División de Investigación y Posgrado, Edificio UMF, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, FES Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Edo. de México C.P. 54090, Mexico
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