Trophic flexibility and opportunism in pike Esox lucius.
J Fish Biol
; 87(4): 876-94, 2015 Oct.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-26351044
ABSTRACT
The first comprehensive investigation of pike Esox lucius trophic ecology in a region (Ireland) where they have long been thought to be a non-native species is presented. Diet was investigated across habitat types (lake, river and canal) through the combined methods of stable-isotope and stomach content analyses. Variations in niche size, specialization and the timing of the ontogenetic dietary switch were examined, revealing pronounced opportunism and feeding plasticity in E. lucius, along with a high occurrence of invertivory (up to 60 cm fork length, LF ) and a concomitant delayed switch to piscivory. Furthermore, E. lucius were found to primarily prey upon the highly available non-native roach Rutilus rutilus, which may alleviate predation pressure on brown trout Salmo trutta, highlighting the complexity of dynamic systems and the essential role of research in informing effective management.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Comportamento Predatório
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Esocidae
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Ecossistema
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Dieta
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Comportamento Alimentar
Limite:
Animals
País/Região como assunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Fish Biol
Ano de publicação:
2015
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Irlanda