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Temperature surpasses the effects of velocity and turbulence on swimming performance of two invasive non-native fish species.

ABSTRACT: Global climate change continues to impact fish habitat quality and biodiversity, especially in regard to the dynamics of invasive non-native species. Using individual aquaria and an open channel flume, this study evaluated the effects of water temperature, flow velocity and turbulence interactions on swimming performance of two lentic, invasive non-native fish in the UK, pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus) and topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva). Burst and sustained swimming tests were conducted at 15, 20 and 25°C. Acoustic Doppler velocimetry was used to measure the flume hydrodynamic flow characteristics. Both L. gibbosus and P. parva occupied the near-bed regions of the flume, conserving energy and seeking refuge in the low mean velocities flow areas despite the relatively elevated turbulent fluctuations, a behaviour which depended on temperature. Burst swimming performance and sustained swimming increased by up to 53% as temperature increased from 15 to 20°C and 71% between 15 and 25°C. Furthermore, fish test area occupancy was dependent on thermal conditions, as well as on time-averaged velocities and turbulent fluctuations. This study suggests that invasive species can benefit from the raised temperatures predicted under climate change forecasts by improving swimming performance in flowing water potentially facilitating their further dispersal and subsequent establishment in lotic environments.

SUBMITTER: Muhawenimana V

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8074586 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Project description:BACKGROUND:Worldwide freshwater ecosystems are increasingly affected by invasive alien species. In particular, Ponto-Caspian gobiid fishes and amphipods are suspected to have pronounced effects on aquatic food webs. However, there is a lack of systematic studies mechanistically testing the potential synergistic effects of invasive species on native fauna. In this study we investigated the interrelations between the invasive amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus and the invasive fish species Neogobius melanostomus in their effects on the native amphipod Gammarus pulex. We hypothesized selective predation by the fish as a driver for displacement of native species resulting in potential extinction of G. pulex. The survival of G. pulex in the presence of N. melanostomus in relation to the presence of D. villosus and availability of shelter was analyzed in the context of behavioural differences between the amphipod species. RESULTS:Gammarus pulex had a significantly higher susceptibility to predation by N. melanostomus compared to D. villosus in all experiments, suggesting preferential predation by this fish on native gammarids. Furthermore, the presence of D. villosus significantly increased the vulnerability of G. pulex to fish predation. Habitat structure was an important factor for swimming activity of amphipods and their mortality, resulting in a threefold decrease in amphipods consumed with shelter habitat structures provided. Behavioral differences in swimming activity were additionally responsible for higher predation rates on G. pulex. Intraguild predation could be neglected within short experimental durations. CONCLUSIONS:The results of this study provide evidence for synergistic effects of the two invasive Ponto-Caspian species on the native amphipod as an underlying process of species displacements during invasion processes. Prey behaviour and monotonous habitat structures additionally contribute to the decline of the native gammarid fauna in the upper Danube River and elsewhere.

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Temperature surpasses the effects of velocity and turbulence on swimming performance of two invasive non-native fish species.

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