The Effects of Temperature on the Feeding Performance of Invasive Fishes

Abstract

Abstract:It has been hypothesized that the effects of the coupling of climate-change and invasive-species phenomena exceed the impact of each separately on ecosystem dynamics and stability. However, very few studies address the interaction between these two most alarming concerns of science and society. Using two Florida invasive fishes, Pteroisvolitansand Cichlasoma urophthalmus, this study attempts to address this synergy by providing empirical evidence that (1) demonstrates how the performance of invasive species responds to environmental-temperature change, and (2) enhances our understanding of the implications of species invasion in the light of the global-climate-change phenomenon. Kinematic analyses revealed the following results:(1) At a given temperature (20°C, 25°C, and 30°C) prey-capture kinematics differed between species;(2) Each species maintained similar excursion and timing kinematics throughout the range of water temperatures;(3) The temperature-independence of the average kinematic values is reinforced by the consistent kinematic profile throughout the temperature range. We propose that more research is needed to corroborate the plausible avenues where the interplay between climate-change and invasive-species phenomena may be demonstrated, including: (1) the temperature-induced effects on physiological and mechanical processes; (2) the likelihood that these physiological effects extend to whole-organism performance; and (3) the resilience of invasive species and their resistance of whole-organism performance to temperature change.