Small-sized Fish Assemblages Do not Differ Between a Native and a Recently Established Non-indigenous Macrophyte in a Neotropical Ecosystem

Cunha, Eduardo Ribeiro; Thomaz, Sidinei Magela; Evangelista, Heloísa Beatriz Antoniazi; Carniato, Juliana; Souza, Camila Fernandes; Fugi, Rosemara

doi:10.4322/natcon.2011.007

Cited by 24 publications

(17 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Previous studies have shown that several aquatic communities are not affected by invasive macrophytes if the architecture and biomass of the invasive species are similar to those of native species (Douglas & O'Connor , Aday , Cunha et al . ). Nevertheless, we hypothesize that patches with low U. arrecta biomass represent patches at which this species is at the early stages of invasion.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Effects of an Invasive Alien Poaceae on Aquatic Macrophytes and Fish Communities in a Neotropical Reservoir

et al. 2013

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We investigated the potential effects of an invasive alien Poaceae (Urochloa arrecta) on the abundance, richness, and composition of native macrophytes and fish. Samples were collected in patches of macrophytes dominated by the invasive species and in others dominated by a native macrophyte (Eichhornia azurea). We assessed the potential effects of these two species on macrophyte and fish abundance and richness, as well as in fish assemblage composition. The effects of both macrophytes did not differ when they were in similar, low biomasses. Consistent with our expectations, however, the abundance of native macrophytes and fish decreased with increasing U. arrecta biomass, and both assemblages were eliminated at the extreme high levels of biomass attained by this species. In contrast, E. azurea did not affect the assemblages because this native species never reached levels of biomass as high as those recorded for the invasive species. Competition for space and light most likely determines the elimination of macrophytes in patches that are extensively colonized by U. arrecta, whereas fish assemblages do not occupy these patches due most likely to the limited space available for movement and foraging. Thus, U. arrecta is a source of concern for biodiversity conservation because it has negative influences on both assemblages when it is well developed, which is true in the later stages of the invasion process.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Effects of an Invasive Alien Poaceae on Aquatic Macrophytes and Fish Communities in a Neotropical Reservoir

et al. 2013

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“…Some studies have failed to identify impacts from invasive species that were in low or similar abundance to native species (Dougas & Ó Connor, 2003;Aday, 2007). For example, surveys in the River Paraná showed that fish species richness was no different in the invasive hydrilla than in native Egeria najas, and this finding was attributed in part to similar biomass of both macrophytes (Cunha et al, 2011). Investigation of impacts along a gradient of invasive density is necessary to identify abundance thresholds above which impacts would occur.…”

Section: Impacts Of Invasive Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aquatic invasive species: challenges for the future

et al. 2015

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Humans have effectively transported thousands of species around the globe and, with accelerated trade; the rate of introductions has increased over time. Aquatic ecosystems seem at particular risk from invasive species because of threats to biodiversity and human needs for water resources. Here, we review some known aspects of aquatic invasive species (AIS) and explore several new questions. We describe impacts of AIS, factors limiting their dispersal, and the role that humans play in transporting AIS. We also review the characteristics of species that should be the greatest threat for future invasions, including those that pave the way for invasions by other species (''invasional meltdown''). Susceptible aquatic communities, such as reservoirs, may serve as stepping stones for invasions of new landscapes. Some microbes disperse long distance, infect new hosts and grow in the external aquatic medium, a process that has consequences for human health. We also discuss the interaction between species invasions and other human impacts (climate change, landscape conversion), as well as the possible connection of invasions with regime shifts in lakes. Since many invaders become permanent features of the environment, we discuss how humans live with invasive species, and conclude with questions for future research.

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“…Because of this complexity, these areas contain high diversity and abundance of small-sized fish (Delariva et al 1994;Meschiatti et al 2000;Neiff et al 2009;Dibble and Pelicice 2010;Cunha et al 2011;Gomes et al 2012) which have particular behavior patterns, such as low swimming activity and high exploitation of interstices among the roots (Priyadarshana et al 2001). The habitat provided by macrophytes is favorable for these fish owing to the high availability of food resources like algae and invertebrates (Melo et al 2002;Colon-Gaud et al 2004;Bickel and Closs 2008;Thomaz et al 2008;Murakami et al 2009;Mormul et al 2010;Colares et al 2013).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Seasonal variation in the use of food resources by small fishes inhabiting the littoral zone in a Neotropical floodplain lake

et al. 2015

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This study evaluated the effect of seasonality on diet composition and overlap in fish species inhabiting the littoral zone of a small lake. We analyzed whether the way the species exploit food resources may help explain their coexistence. Fish samples were collected in a lake in the Upper Paraná River floodplain in September (dry period) and December (rainy period) of 2010. The diet of six species was evaluated through stomach content analysis, which showed that the most consumed resources were microcrustaceans, aquatic insects, aquatic higher plant and algae. Diet composition was significantly different between periods for all species studied. Diet overlap values were low in both periods, but trophic segregation was even higher in the rainy period, indicating that with greater abundance of food resources, species could exploit preferential resources. Trophic segregation, evidenced by the low overlap values in both periods, indicates the absence of interspecific competition, which may explain the coexistence of these species in the littoral zone of this small lake.

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Small-sized Fish Assemblages Do not Differ Between a Native and a Recently Established Non-indigenous Macrophyte in a Neotropical Ecosystem

Cited by 24 publications

References 19 publications

Effects of an Invasive Alien Poaceae on Aquatic Macrophytes and Fish Communities in a Neotropical Reservoir

Effects of an Invasive Alien Poaceae on Aquatic Macrophytes and Fish Communities in a Neotropical Reservoir

Aquatic invasive species: challenges for the future

Seasonal variation in the use of food resources by small fishes inhabiting the littoral zone in a Neotropical floodplain lake

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