Effects of the non-native Arapaima gigas on native fish species in Amazonian oxbow lakes (Bolivia).

ABSTRACT: The introduction of non-native fish species into new environments has raised global concerns due to potential ecological impacts on recipient ecosystems. A previous study focusing on the introduced fish species Arapaima gigas in Bolivian Amazon waters showed that its isotopic niche significantly overlapped with most co-occurring native fish species, suggesting potential competition. To evaluate this hypothesis, we extended here the investigation by comparing the trophic position and isotopic niche width of eleven abundant native fish species inhabiting both colonized and non-colonized floodplain lakes. We found lower trophic positions in colonized versus non-colonized lakes only for native piscivores, mostly driven by a shift towards increased dietary proportion of detritivorous fishes. Co

SUBMITTER: Rejas D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11695033 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature