Temperature-specific competition between invasive mosquitofish and an endangered cyprinodontid fish.

ABSTRACT: Condition-specific competition is widespread in nature. Species inhabiting heterogeneous environments tend to differ in competitive abilities depending on environmental stressors. Interactions between these factors can allow coexistence of competing species, which may be particularly important between invasive and native species. Here, we examine the effects of temperature on competitive interactions between invasive mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki, and an endemic Iberian toothcarp, Aphanius iberus. We compare the tendency to approach heterospecifics and food capture rates between these two species, and examine differences between sexes and species in aggressive interactions, at three different temperatures (19, 24 and 29°C) in three laboratory experiments. Mosquitofish exhibit much more

SUBMITTER: Carmona-Catot G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3555637 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature