Reciprocal Diel Vertical Migration Behavior in Planktivores and Zooplankton in British Columbia Lakes

Abstract

Simultaneous comparison of planktivore and crustacean zooplankton distribution patterns in a set of British Columbia lakes suggested coupled diel vertical migration behavior in the two adjacent trophic levels. In lakes where juvenile sockeye salmon performed diel vertical migrations, most zooplankton were non-migratory and concentrated in shallow surface waters over the diel cycle. In contrast, in one lake where pelagic threespine sticklebacks were present, and where juvenile sockeye diel vertical migrations were periodically reversed, most zooplankton undertook diel vertical migrations. The presence of diel vertical migration behavior in zooplankton thus appears to be related to the presence or absence of the behavior in the predominant planktivores.

Long-term acoustical observations of the mesopelagic fish Maurolicus muelleri reveal novel and varied vertical migration patterns

“…This behaviour has not been described for Maurolicus muelleri before, and generally few studies have described reverse diel vertical migrations among fish (Levy 1990a, Neilson & Perry 1990, Kaartvedt et al 2009). While a short ascent into a brighter environment might increase the predation risk (Rosland & Giske 1997, Staby 2010, i.e.…”

“…The predator avoidance hypothesis was later extended to include the optimisation of foraging in the anti-predation window at intermediate light intensities at dusk and dawn (Clark & Levy 1988, Scheuerell & Schindler 2003. The bioenergetic efficiency hypothesis states that organisms distribute at temperatures which maximise growth (Wurtsbaugh & Neverman 1988, Giske & Aksnes 1992, Bevelhimer & Adams 1993, while the foragingopportunity hypothesis predicts that the depth distribution of the predator overlaps with depth changes of its prey (Levy 1990a, Neilson & Perry 1990. On an individual level, the hunger-satiation hypothesis assumes that vertical movements of individuals are triggered by a change in their hunger or satiation state (Pearre 2003).…”

Distribution, abundance, and vertical migrations ofLeptodora kindtiiin a mainstem Missouri River reservoir, Montana, USA

“…DVM is commonly undertaken to increase energy gain from feeding while decreasing the probability of death from predation (Gabriel & Thomas 1988;Bollens 1996;Ghan et al 1998). In lakes, zooplankton DVM typically consists of ascent toward the surface at dusk and descent at dawn, although reversed DVM has also been reported (Levy 1990;Vijverberg 1991). Zooplankton may migrate to deeper, less productive waters during the day, avoiding visual predators, and ascend to food-rich surface waters to feed at night.…”

Crepuscular foraging by a pursuit-diving seabird: tactics of common murres in response to the diel vertical migration of capelin

“…Although previous studies document diel behavioural patterns of predators and explain them in relation to general patterns of prey and light availability, we know of no attempt to assess fine-scale associations of the timing of vertical movements of predators and prey. Likewise, few studies address ecological consequences across multiple trophic levels (Levy 1990, Hays 2003.…”