Sampling bias of invasive gibel carp and threatened crucian carp: Implications for conservation

Thomas, Kiran; Brabec, Marek; Tapkir, Sandip; Gottwald, Milan; Bartoň, Daniel; Šmejkal, Marek

doi:10.1016/j.gecco.2023.e02718

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 107 publications

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“…1) using fish traps (25 × 25 × 45 cm; 4 mm mesh size with two small funnel-shaped entrances of 6 cm diameter at each end) and "umbrella traps" (95 cm diameter, 8 small funnel-shaped entrances) baited with a combination of dog food pellets and bread slices. The nets (two fish traps and two umbrella traps) were set before sunset (5−7 pm) and checked in the morning (9−11 am, approximately 15 hours of exposure) (Thomas et al 2023). The fish caught were then measured (SL; mm) and weighed (W; g).…”

Section: Field Data Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Isotopic niches reveal the impact of topmouth gudgeon and gibel carp on native crucian carp

Šmejkal,

Thomas,

Šmejkalová

et al. 2024

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Invasive species pose a major threat to natural ecosystems and directly outcompete many native species, placing them at imminent threat of extinction. The topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) is on the EU’s blacklist of invasive freshwater species and threatens biodiversity, especially in wetland and floodplain ecosystems, aquacultures and village ponds. The crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is native to Europe and its populations have declined in large part of its native range, with invasive gibel carp (C. gibelio) suspected as a major cause of its decline. Invasions by topmouth gudgeon have been implicated in the decline of crucian carp populations but this still needs to be verified. The aim of this study was to evaluate by the experimental approach the competitive interaction between the two species, topmouth gudgeon and crucian carp, focusing on isotopic niche sizes and their overlap in syntopy. A four-month mesocosm experiment was performed to determine the isotopic niche of crucian carp and topmouth gudgeon living alone and in syntopy. Additionally, stable isotope data were collected at the sites where the two species co-occur to compare niche sizes and overlaps. Experimental data showed that the isotopic space of topmouth gudgeon responded more flexibly (reducing niche size at syntopy) than that of the crucian carp and confirmed a high isotopic niche overlap between the species. Field studies have shown that topmouth gudgeon has invaded the isotopic niche of the crucian carp, especially when another invasive species, the gibel carp, lived in the community (25% at 40% ellipse area and 50% at 95% ellipse area). When only the topmouth gudgeon and crucian carp were present in the field, the overlap was lower (3% and 48%, respectively) and directional overlap modelling showed that the crucian carp was more likely to invade the isotopic niche of topmouth gudgeon than vice versa. The data indicated that competition between crucian carp and topmouth gudgeon is likely, especially in syntopy with other invasive species. This study shows that the feeding plasticity of topmouth gudgeon likely facilitates its establishment outside its native range and, due to high isotopic niche overlap, threatens native fish with similar feeding ecology with competitive displacement.

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Section: Field Data Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Isotopic niches reveal the impact of topmouth gudgeon and gibel carp on native crucian carp

Šmejkal,

Thomas,

Šmejkalová

et al. 2024

Self Cite

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The 50-year history of anglers' record catches of genus Carassius: circumstantial evidence of wiping out the native species by invasive conspecific

Šmejkal,

Thomas,

Kořen

et al. 2024

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Successful invasive non-native fish species can cause enormous damage to native biodiversity. In mainland Europe, the introduction of the gibel carp (Carassius gibelio) has led to a decline in populations of the formerly widespread native crucian carp (C. carassius). Both invasive and native species develop two phenotypes, namely stunted and deep-bodied, which depend on the intensity of competition and predation in the water body. The deep-bodied phenotype is associated with a more diverse fish community composition, can attain large sizes and is very attractive to recreational anglers. This study analysed trends in the record sizes of native crucian carp and invasive gibel carp (individuals close to the maximum attainable size of the species) reported by recreational anglers over the last 50 years in Czechia, recording the invasion of gibel carp from its beginnings to the fully established population phase. The study provides circumstantial evidence that gibel carp is behind transition from the relative abundance of large crucian carp to near extirpation, while large gibel carp have taken over the reports of record catches in the genus Carassius. This indicates that the crucian carp, which is currently classified as critically endangered in the Red List of Czechia, has very limited possibilities to realise its deep-bodied phenotype. It also shows the potential of using data from recreational anglers for mapping invasion processes and as a source of relatively localised information on endangered species.

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Sampling bias of invasive gibel carp and threatened crucian carp: Implications for conservation

Cited by 2 publications

References 107 publications

Isotopic niches reveal the impact of topmouth gudgeon and gibel carp on native crucian carp

Isotopic niches reveal the impact of topmouth gudgeon and gibel carp on native crucian carp

The 50-year history of anglers' record catches of genus Carassius: circumstantial evidence of wiping out the native species by invasive conspecific

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