Risk Perception: Chemical Stimuli in Predator Detection and Feeding Behaviour of the Invasive Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus.

The round goby Neogobius melanostomus is a notoriously invasive fish originating from the Ponto-Caspian region that in recent decades has successfully spread across the globe. One of its primary impacts is direct predation; in addition, when entering new ecosystems, the round goby is likely to become a food resource for many higher native predators. However, little is known either about the indirect effects of predators on the round goby as prey or its feeding behaviour and activity. The non-consumptive effect of the presence of higher native predators presumably plays an important role in mitigating the impact of non-native round gobies as mesopredators on benthic invertebrate communities, especially when both higher- and mesopredators occupy the same habitat. We tested the food consumption probability and gut evacuation rates in round gobies in response to chemical signals from a higher predator, the European eel Anguilla anguilla. Gobies were placed individually in experimental arenas equipped with shelters and exposed to water from a tank in which (a) the higher predator had actively preyed on a heterospecific prey, earthworms Lumbricus sp. (the heterospecific treatment; HS); (b) the higher predator had fed on round gobies (the conspecific treatment; CS); or (c) the water was provided as a control treatment (C). To ensure exposure to the chemical stimuli, this study incorporated the application of skin extracts containing damaged-released alarm cues from the CS treatment; distilled water was used for the remaining treatments. No significant differences were observed in either the food consumption probability or gut evacuation rate in the tested treatments. Despite the lack of reaction to the chemical stimuli, round gobies did exhibit high evacuation rates (R = 0.2323 ± 0.011 h-1; mean ± SE) in which complete gut clearance occurred within 16 h regardless of the applied treatment. This rapid food processing suggests high efficiency and great pressure on resources regardless of the presence or not of a higher predator. These findings hint at the boldness of round gobies, which did not exhibit any pronounced threat sensitivity. This would seem to suggest great efficiency in food processing and a potential competitive advantage over local native species when colonising new ecosystems, irrespective of the presence of native predators. Our study did not detect any non-consumptive effect attributable to the higher predator, given that the feeding activity of the invasive round goby was not altered.

Feeding in predator naïve crayfish is influenced by cues from a fish predator.

In this study, we experimentally evaluated how the feeding behaviour of marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis is influenced by cues from conspecifics and the round goby Neogobius melanostomus, a fish predator, in tanks that permitted chemical communication but not visual recognition. We used four experimental groups with different combinations in two sub-tanks. The first sub-tank always contained a crayfish and prey (40 individuals of the water louse Asellus aquaticus). The other sub-tanks were set up as follows: (i) empty, serving as a control (C); (ii) with a conspecific crayfish (Cr); (iii) with a round goby (G) to simulate predator-only odour; and (iv) a round goby and three small conspecific crayfish (G + Cr) to simulate the presence of a predator and/or the alarm odour. Two sub-treatments were defined for the fourth group, categorised as 'injured' or 'not injured' depending on whether prey crayfish were visibly injured or not, respectively. We observed a significant decline in the consumption of water lice in the G and G + Cr treatments compared to the C and Cr treatments (up to 47% on average). There were no significant differences in consumption between the G and G + Cr treatments, or C and Cr treatments. No significant differences in food consumption parameters were detected between sub-treatments with 'injured' and 'not injured' conspecific crayfish. Knowledge of modifications in the feeding behaviour of marbled crayfish in the presence of round goby (and fish predators in general) is essential for ecologists attempting to understand the changes and impacts occurring in invaded freshwater ecosystems.

A comparative study of three fishery methods for sampling the invasive topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) in ponds.

Invasive fish threaten ponds' ecological status and their ecosystem services, therefore obtaining a representative sample of fish community composition is fundamental to fishery management, research and nature conservation. Estimates of the size distribution, density and biomass of the topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) model species of invasive fish in three ponds were compared among three sampling methods: electrofishing, fish-trapping and throw-netting. The study illustrates that the invasive fish, P. parva, can be detected by all tested fishing methods, yet our results clearly showed that there are pronounced differences among methods in population characteristic estimates. Electrofishing and throw-netting gave biased information on the size distribution of P. parva. Fish-trapping and throw-netting gave reasonable P. parva density and biomass estimates, while electrofishing clearly underestimated it. All tested methods showed a body size increment of P. parva between summer and autumn sampling sessions, yet neither throw-netting nor electrofishing recorded an increment in its density. Our study showed that fish-trapping is the most reliable and affordable method to estimate invasive P. parva population characteristics in ponds despite more time-demanding sampling. The success depends on the mesh size of sampling gear, operator skill and habitat structure. The cost-effectiveness of the selected methods and the importance of invasive fish monitoring in ponds is discussed. The sampling gear must be considered carefully according to the aim of the monitoring.

Comparison of Behavior and Space Use of the European Bullhead Cottus gobio and the Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus in a Simulated Natural Habitat.

The round goby is an invasive fish in Europe and North America that threatens native species by predation and competition. Its habitat preferences are similar to those of the European bullhead, which it displaces from shelters and out-competes for available resources. We assessed the microhabitat preferences, shelter use, and activity of the round goby and European bullhead in single-species experiments in habitat simulator systems to investigate their behavior in a novel environment. Fish were video-recorded for 28 h in the presence of shelter and feed with water velocity ranging from 0.00 to 0.96 m s-1. The two species showed similar behavior under given conditions. A primary difference was in stress-induced behavior in the initial phases of observation. The round goby spent more time in movement when outside the shelter and a longer time in the escape zone in the exploration period during light. Our results confirmed a significant preference of round goby for low velocity areas and a preference for higher velocities in the European bullhead. Both species were able to cope with velocities > 0.7 m s-1. Therefore, the reported invasion success of round goby is probably not driven by space use or activity patterns, but rather by higher adaptability.

The Invasive Round Goby Neogobius melanostomus as a Potential Threat to Native Crayfish Populations.

Despite the spread of round goby Neogobius melanostomus into freshwater streams, there is a lack of information with respect to its effect on macroinvertebrate communities, especially crustaceans. We studied foraging efficiency of N. melanostomus on Procambarus virginalis and Asellus aquaticus, using a functional response (FR) approach. Stocking density of the prey species was manipulated to determine its effect on consumer utilization, with prey offered separately or combined at 1:1, 3:1, and 1:3 at each tested density. For both prey species, N. melanostomus exhibited type II FR, occasionally with a high proportion of non-consumptive mortality. Procambarus virginalis suffered a significantly higher attack rate compared to A. aquaticus. Neogobius melanostomus killed significantly more of the most prevalent prey, regardless of species. In trials with prey species of equal proportions, a difference in the number of each species killed was observed only at the highest density, at which P. virginalis was preferred. Neogobius melanostomus may be an important driver of population dynamics of prey species in the wild. The non-selective prey consumption makes N. melanostomus a potential threat to macrozoobenthic communities of river tributaries.

Distribution of alien animal species richness in the Czech Republic.

Biogeographical barriers formed by natural forces over billions of years have been substantially disrupted by human activity, particularly in recent centuries. In response to these anthropogenic changes, global homogenization of biota is observed at an ever-increasing rate, causing environmental and economic losses as well as emerging health risks. Identifying factors underlying alien species richness is essential for prevention of future introductions and subsequent spread. In this study, we examined the effects of environmental and human-related factors on distribution of alien animal species richness in the Czech Republic (Central Europe). We compiled a set of maps showing the level of invasion of six categories of alien animal species in each of 628 grid cells (ca. 12.0 × 11.1 km) covering the Czech Republic. Relationships between alien species richness and 12 variables characterizing climatic conditions, topography, land cover, and human population size were calculated using the generalized least squares method. Species richness of all alien species, of invertebrates, and of terrestrial species showed the strongest positive relationship with mean annual temperature, while the number of black and grey (proposed prominent invaders) and aquatic species was most closely related to the presence of large rivers. Alien vertebrates showed a strong negative relationship with annual precipitation. The highest alien animal species richness was found in and near large population centers and in agricultural landscapes in warm and dry lowlands. The gateways for alien aquatic species are rather large rivers over sport fishing and aquaculture import. Compiled maps create a powerful visual communication tool, useful in development of programs to prevent future introductions.

Weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis) as a new species for toxicity testing?

Selection of appropriate test species is a critical issue when assessing effects of environmental contamination on fish because the ecological relevance of commonly used test species might be restricted due to their exotic origin. In the present study, a European freshwater fish with frequent occurrence in agricultural areas is suggested as a potential alternative: the European weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis). Its suitability for acute embryo toxicity tests (FET) was investigated with regard to practical implementation, sensitivity to contaminants and tolerance against environmental conditions of concern. For this purpose, weatherfish embryos were exposed (72h) to the reference substance 3,4-dichloroaniline (DCA) in three independent tests. Furthermore, the effects of dissolved oxygen (DO) deficiency on weatherfish embryos were studied to evaluate their suitability e.g. for sediment bioassays. Obtained results revealed that the sensitivity of weatherfish embryos towards DCA (72 h-EC50=0.52mg/l; 72 h-LC50=0.71mg/l) was highest compared to other species and three times higher than that reported for the commonly used zebrafish (Danio rerio). Even though knowledge of DO requirements during the embryonic period of European fish species is scarce, weatherfish can be stated as one of the most tolerant native species (LC90 for DO=0.53mg/l after 48h exposure plus 72h post-exposure). Its high ecological relevance for Europe, the particular sensitivity towards DCA and high tolerance against DO depletion highlight the potential of weatherfish as additional species for toxicity testing.

Sperm morphology, motility, and velocity in naturally occurring polyploid European weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis L.).

Spontaneous polyploidy has been frequently documented in various fish species. This process may lead to disruption in testicular development and function. In the present study, sperm morphology and motility, elements critical to male fertility, were characterized in the naturally occurring triploid (3n) and tetraploid (4n) European weatherfish, Misgurnus fossilis L. (Teleostei, Cobitidae) inhabiting the upper reaches of the Luznice River in the Czech Republic. Sperm with smaller heads, shorter flagella, and a lower number of mitochondria was observed in 3n specimens compared with 4n, but no differences were observed in size of midpiece or ultrastructure of sperm. Similar to most teleosts, the European weatherfish spermatozoon lacked an acrosome and consisted of a head (containing DNA), a midpiece (containing mitochondria and proximal and distal centrioles), and a flagellum with 9 + 2 microtubular structure. Sperm velocity was significantly lower in individuals with 4n compared with 3n, whereas no difference in sperm motility was observed. The stepwise linear regression reported significant negative correlations between sperm velocity and length of sperm head (r = -0.92, P < 0.01). In conclusion, the data reported no effect of polyploidy on sperm ultrastructure and motility in the European weatherfish, although it can affect sperm velocity, possibly through differences in head size and the number of mitochondria, which provide ATP for sperm movement.

Dopamine control of LH release in the tench (Tinca tinca).

Tench (Tinca tinca) is apparently the only known member of the Cyprinidae in which ovulation is stimulated following administration of a low dose of GnRH analogue (GnRHa) without a dopamine inhibitor. This study evaluated LH release effectiveness of the most commonly used GnRHa and clarified whether LH secretion followed by ovulation is subject to inhibitory dopaminergic control in tench. Fish were intraperitoneally injected with three types of GnRHa, GnRHa with dopamine inhibitor metoclopramide (combined treatment), or the dopamine inhibitor metoclopramide alone. LH concentrations at five sampling times (0, 6, 12, 24, and 33 h) together with ovulation success and fecundity index were recorded. The combined treatment triggered an almost immediate LH release peak with a gradual decline, and resulted in a high ovulation rate. In contrast to the combined treatment, an application of GnRHa alone at 10 µg kg(-1) induced gradual increase of LH concentrations with peaks close to ovulation time, and with high ovulation success. Significant differences in LH concentrations at 6 and 12h and no differences in ovulation success were found between the combined and the GnRHa alone treatments. Metoclopramide alone induced a small increase in LH with no ovulation. The study presents clear evidence of dopaminergic control of LH release in tench, with a high ovulation rate obtained after application of GnRHa alone or in combination with dopamine inhibitor.