Getting what is served? Feeding ecology influencing parasite-host interactions in invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus.

ABSTRACT: Freshwater ecosystems are increasingly impacted by alien invasive species which have the potential to alter various ecological interactions like predator-prey and host-parasite relationships. Here, we simultaneously examined predator-prey interactions and parasitization patterns of the highly invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) in the rivers Rhine and Main in Germany. A total of 350 N. melanostomus were sampled between June and October 2011. Gut content analysis revealed a broad prey spectrum, partly reflecting temporal and local differences in prey availability. For the major food type (amphipods), species compositions were determined. Amphipod fauna consisted entirely of non-native species and was dominated by Dikerogammarus villosus in the Main and Echinogammarus trichiatus in

SUBMITTER: Emde S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4206283 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature