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 editorsErcoli, Fabio; Kiljunen, Mikko; Teesalu, Paul; Tuvikene, Arvo; Tambets, Meelis; Kärgenberg, Einar; Nõges, Tiina

Journal or seriesNeoBiota

eISSN1314-2488

Publication year2024

Publication date16/09/2024

Volume95

Pages range181-198

PublisherPensoft Publishers

Publication countryBulgaria

Publication languageEnglish

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.95.116327

Publication open accessOpenly available

Publication channel open accessOpen 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.


Keywordsintroduced speciesisotope analysisecological nicheindigenous animal speciesbiotic communitiesaquatic ecosystems

Free keywordsgut content; invasive species; isotopic niche; native fish community; ontogenetic shift; stable isotopes;


Contributing organizations


Related projects


Ministry reportingYes

VIRTA submission year2024

Preliminary JUFO rating1


Last updated on 2024-02-11 at 20:06