Trophic interactions between yellow perch (&lt;i&gt;Perca flavescens&lt;/i&gt;) and their benthic prey in a littoral zone community

Cobb, Susan E.; Watzin, Mary C.

doi:10.1139/cjfas-55-1-28

Effects of water-depth and water-level fluctuations on the macroinvertebrate community structure in the littoral zone of lake constance

Baumgärtner¹,

Mörtl

²

,

Rothhaupt

³

2008

Ecological Effects of Water-Level Fluctuations in Lakes

4

0

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In a 2-year field study, abundance, biomass and community structure of benthic macroinvertebrates and their seasonal dynamics were assessed along the depth gradient in the stony littoral zone of Lake Constance, Central Europe. The macroinvertebrate community patterns differed significantly between the depth zones, partly because of species turnover, but mostly as a result of different dominance structures. These distinct differences should be considered when designing surveys of benthic invertebrates also for applied purposes, since sources of variation should be kept small and particularly on hard substrates, extensive efforts are required to obtain sufficient data for a powerful statistical analysis. A large seasonal variability in the macroinvertebrate communities of the eulittoral zone indicates a strong influence of physical disturbances, particularly of water-level fluctuations. The community pattern of the drift line samples was influenced by the previous development of the water level. The cumulated water-level fluctuations and their net tendency accounted for three quarters of the variation in a PCA. Since Lake Constance is the only large pre-alpine lake whose water level is not extensively regulated, the uniqueness of the littoral community should have implications for nature conservation measures.

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Effects of water-depth and water-level fluctuations on the macroinvertebrate community structure in the littoral zone of Lake Constance

Baumgärtner¹,

Mörtl

²

,

Rothhaupt

³

2008

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

In a 2-year field study, abundance, biomass and community structure of benthic macroinvertebrates and their seasonal dynamics were assessed along the depth gradient in the stony littoral zone of Lake Constance, Central Europe. The macroinvertebrate community patterns differed significantly between the depth zones, partly because of species turnover, but mostly as a result of different dominance structures. These distinct differences should be considered when designing surveys of benthic invertebrates also for applied purposes, since sources of variation should be kept small and particularly on hard substrates, extensive efforts are required to obtain sufficient data for a powerful statistical analysis. A large seasonal variability in the macroinvertebrate communities of the eulittoral zone indicates a strong influence of physical disturbances, particularly of water-level fluctuations. The community pattern of the drift line samples was influenced by the previous development of the water level. The cumulated water-level fluctuations and their net tendency accounted for three quarters of the variation in a PCA. Since Lake Constance is the only large pre-alpine lake whose water level is not extensively regulated, the uniqueness of the littoral community should have implications for nature conservation measures.

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Growth‐ and feeding‐related isotopic dilution and enrichment patterns in young‐of‐the‐year yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

Murchie

¹

,

Power

²

2003

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Summary 1. Isotopic signatures (δ15N and δ13C) from young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were collected over the initial 4 month summer growing period from three separate and distinctive sites in northern Alberta, Canada. Data were analysed to test the hypotheses that there are within‐ and among‐population differences in the patterns of isotopic δ15N and δ13C change over the growing season, and that observed isotopic dilution and/or enrichment patterns were influenced by site‐specific physical and chemical factors. 2. Increases in δ15N relative to spawned egg masses were observed in immediate posthatch (emergent) YOY and attributed to enrichment associated with the assimilation of yolk during embryonic development. 3. Posthatch dilution of YOY δ15N signatures associated with ontogenetic dietary shifts from yolk to exogenous feeding and zooplanktivory to benthivory occurred at all sites and was associated at most sites with a concomitant increase in δ13C. 4. The rate and pattern of δ15N dilution and δ13C enrichment observed for the study populations varied between and within sites and depended on maternal trophic status and timing of ontogenetic dietary shifts, as determined by prey availability and site‐specific biogeochemical factors. 5. Comparisons of isotopic dilution patterns among species, using results from this study and literature‐derived values, indicated that dilution rates and patterns are species dependent and may vary in relation to key life‐history events. 6. Seasonal and spatial isotopic variability among populations and between species complicates field sampling. In particular, the connectivity to site‐specific conditions found here suggests that for locally resident juvenile fishes, spatial, as well as temporal variability must be included in isotopic sampling programmes designed to characterise littoral zone foodweb relationships.

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Trophic interactions between yellow perch (<i>Perca flavescens</i>) and their benthic prey in a littoral zone community

Cited by 5 publications

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Effects of water-depth and water-level fluctuations on the macroinvertebrate community structure in the littoral zone of lake constance

Effects of water-depth and water-level fluctuations on the macroinvertebrate community structure in the littoral zone of lake constance

Effects of water-depth and water-level fluctuations on the macroinvertebrate community structure in the littoral zone of Lake Constance

Growth‐ and feeding‐related isotopic dilution and enrichment patterns in young‐of‐the‐year yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

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