A1 Journal article (refereed)
Niche partitioning of invasive Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii) amongst native fish communities in three different freshwater ecosystems (2024)
Ercoli, F., Kiljunen, M., Teesalu, P., Tuvikene, A., Tambets, M., Kärgenberg, E., & Nõges, T. (2024). Niche partitioning of invasive Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii) amongst native fish communities in three different freshwater ecosystems. NeoBiota, 95, 181-198. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.95.116327
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Ercoli, Fabio; Kiljunen, Mikko; Teesalu, Paul; Tuvikene, Arvo; Tambets, Meelis; Kärgenberg, Einar; Nõges, Tiina
Journal or series: NeoBiota
eISSN: 1314-2488
Publication year: 2024
Publication date: 16/09/2024
Volume: 95
Pages range: 181-198
Publisher: Pensoft Publishers
Publication country: Bulgaria
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.95.116327
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/97643
Abstract
The invasive fish, Amur sleeper, poses a significant and growing threat to Central European freshwater ecosystems. Despite its rapid spread, the ecological implications of its invasion have been poorly explored. Recent findings confirm its presence in various Estonian freshwater systems, raising concerns about its imminent expansion into larger lakes. To better understand its potential ecological impacts, we explored the isotopic niche of the Amur sleeper in comparison with native fish species co-existing in three Estonian freshwater ecosystems. We employed carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses alongside gut content analyses. Our findings show that the Amur sleeper's diet in newly-invaded Estonian water bodies predominantly comprises benthic macroinvertebrates, although it may also include fish, confirming its role as a predator in the local food web. Notably, Amur sleeper populations exhibited clear isotopic niche partitioning in three invaded ecosystems. A logistic regression model, based on stomach content analyses, revealed an ontogenetic diet shift from benthivorous to piscivorous feeding habits from small to large specimens. Amur sleeper exhibits voracious, non-selective feeding habits, which can negatively impact native freshwater communities. The ability to occupy a distinct isotopic niche, with minimal overlap with native fish populations, may reduce interspecific competition, facilitating the spread and establishment of Amur sleeper in newly-invaded habitats. Managing the spread of this invasive species thus becomes even more critical to safeguard the integrity of native aquatic ecosystems.
Keywords: introduced species; isotope analysis; ecological niche; indigenous animal species; biotic communities; aquatic ecosystems
Free keywords: gut content; invasive species; isotopic niche; native fish community; ontogenetic shift; stable isotopes;
Contributing organizations
Related projects
- TOWARDS RESEARCH EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION CAPACITY IN STUDING LAKE ECOSYSTEMS FUNCTIONAL STRUCTURES AND CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT
- Kuparinen, Anna
- European Commission
Ministry reporting: Yes
VIRTA submission year: 2024
Preliminary JUFO rating: 1