Fitness consequences of prey depletion for the common goby Pomatoschistus microps

Abstract

Pomatoschistus microps (Pisces: Gobiidae), a predatory, benthic feeder, occurs in high densities in variable, shallow, muddy coastal waters where prey availability can be unpredictable. Here, we investigate the effect and consequences of prey depletion on the body condition and nest building of adult male fish using manipulative mesocosm experiments in which the comparative value of meiofaunal and macrofaunal prey was investigated. Fish maintained in mesocosms from which macrofauna had been removed from the sediment had a significantly reduced hepatosomatic index (HSI), and were less likely to build nests than fish in mesocosms containing macrofauna and meiofauna, suggesting an indirect link between prey availability and nest quality. Reduced resource availability, in the form of scarcity of macrofauna, appears to have profound implications for the fitness of natural field populations. KEY WORDS: Prey depletion · Feeding behaviour · Pomatoschistus microps · Goby · MesocosmResale or republication not permitted without written consent of the publisher

The effects of competitors on fitness of marbled gobyPomatoschistus marmoratus(Pisces, Gobiidae) in the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Iberian Peninsula)

“…In addition, Jackson et al (2002) concluded that a reduction in prey availability for P. microps reduced their condition and, consequently, their fitness and nest quality.…”

“…Such measurements are indicators of tissue energy reserves and may characterize components of the environment in which the fish live (e.g. food and habitat availability, competition, predation, physical factors and pollution) (Jackson et al 2002;Copp 2003;Lloret & Planes 2003;Oliva-Paterna et al 2003). These measurements reflect what is generally known as fish condition.…”

Sexually selected nest-building –Pomatoschistus minutus males build smaller nest-openings in the presence of sneaker males

“…, 2001) and positively with experimentally manipulated body condition (Kvarnemo et al. , 1998; Jackson et al. , 2002).…”

Effects of Exotic Fishes on the Somatic Condition of the Endangered KillifishFundulus lima(Teleostei: Fundulidae) in Oases of Baja California Sur, Mexico

“…The somatic condition of individuals is an ecophysiological indicator widely used in the management of populations of fish (Jakob et al, 1996) because the tissue energy reserves in the individuals may characterize components of the environment in which the fish live (e.g., availability of food and habitat, competition, predation, physical factors, and pollution; Jackson et al, 2002;Copp, 2003;Lloret and Planes, 2003;Oliva-Paterna et al, 2003). Therefore, a low index of condition in fishes can negatively affect growth, survival, onset to maturity, and reproductive effort in subsequent phases of the life history of fish (Fechhelm et al, 1995;Rätz and Lloret, 2003;Hoey and McCormick, 2004;Morgan, 2004;Lloret et al, 2005).…”