The early catfish catches the worm: predation of <i>Corydoras aeneus</i> (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae) on freshwater nematodes

Majdi, Nabil; Weber, Sebastian; Traunspurger, Walter

doi:10.1051/limn/2018019

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 33 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In those laboratory experiments on the quantifications of nematode consumption by different fish species, only single nematode densities were offered. Spieth et al (2011), Weber & Traunspurger (2014a), and Majdi et al (2018) showed that in particular bottom-biting fish like common carps (3-4 cm body length), gudgeon (2.5-5 cm), and armored catfish (2-3 cm) are able to consume considerable amounts of nematodes (Caenorhabditis elegans) as shown by feeding rates of 234,000, 183,000, and 76,000 nematodes per day, respectively. At a body length of 9-12 cm (carps) and 10-12 cm (gudgeons), their nematode ingestion was reduced by 14% and 6% and was caused by increasingly larger meshes of the gill apparatus.…”

Section: Analyzed Thementioning

confidence: 99%

Are meiofauna a standard meal for macroinvertebrates and juvenile fish?

et al. 2020

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Due to the lack of empirical data, meiofauna are often underestimated as prey for freshwater animals and are commonly regarded as trophic dead ends. Here we present a synthesis of recent evidence showing that meiofauna are significant as prey, not only for many benthic macroinvertebrates (chironomids, shrimps, and flatworms) but also for juveniles of widespread freshwater bottom-feeding fish species (e.g., carps, gudgeons, catfish). In this review, we focus on the following questions: (1) Which groups consume meiofauna? (2) In what amounts are meiofauna ingested? (3) Does predatory feeding behavior influence natural meiofaunal communities? (4) Are meiofauna organisms actively ingested or are they bycatch? To answer these questions, we focused on studies that included gut/feces analyses of potential predators and empirical investigations conducted in the laboratory (e.g., functional response experiments and microcosm studies) and in the field (enclosure/ exclosure settings). We were able to demonstrate that meiofauna taxa are consumed in high numbers by a wide range of larger organisms. This predation can significantly shape meiofaunal communities, by reducing the abundance, biomass, and production of certain members of the investigated assemblages. However, in most cases, it remains unclear if there is an active predation of meiofauna or a passive ingestion by unselective feeding.

show abstract

Section: Analyzed Thementioning

confidence: 99%

Are meiofauna a standard meal for macroinvertebrates and juvenile fish?

et al. 2020

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Stoffhaushalt der Gewässer II (Produktion, Konsumption, Destruktion)

Schwoerbel

Brendelberger

2022

Einführung in Die Limnologie

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The armored catfish Corydoras aeneus shapes the meiofaunal community due to predation and disturbance-induced water column dispersal

Wulfes,

Traunspurger,

Ptatscheck

2023

Hydrobiologia

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Bottom-feeding fish can exert strong top-down pressure on benthic invertebrates while also causing mechanical disturbance of the sediment. In our laboratory study, we investigated the influence of predation and disturbance-induced water column emigration on meiofauna, triggered by the armored catfish Corydoras aeneus. We hypothesized that both factors would significantly reduce the abundance of meiofauna, depending on their body size. Accordingly, we also expected a change in the nematode community structure. After 24 h, the abundances of nematodes, tardigrades, hydracarina, copepods and oligochaetes were significantly lower than in control aquariums without fish, in the latter two groups primarily due to predation. All other taxa were equally affected by predation and emigration. Within the nematodes, mainly large individuals (≥ 1 mm) were consumed, while smaller worms (< 1 mm) were increasingly dispersed. This, though it did not reduce species numbers, resulted in altered size and species composition. Our results show that the real top-down effects can quickly be overestimated as emigration of prey is overlooked and, on the other hand, that fish may also influence adjacent, undisturbed areas due to subsequent immigration of meiofauna.

show abstract

The early catfish catches the worm: predation of Corydoras aeneus (Siluriformes, Callichthyidae) on freshwater nematodes

Cited by 3 publications

References 33 publications

Are meiofauna a standard meal for macroinvertebrates and juvenile fish?

Are meiofauna a standard meal for macroinvertebrates and juvenile fish?

Stoffhaushalt der Gewässer II (Produktion, Konsumption, Destruktion)

The armored catfish Corydoras aeneus shapes the meiofaunal community due to predation and disturbance-induced water column dispersal

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About