Selective foraging by non-native rainbow trout on invertebrates in Patagonian streams in Argentina.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:It is well known that fish predation alters ecosystem processes by top-down effects. Salmonids are described as aggressive, visually and size-selective predators. Thus, prey selection by the non-native rainbow trout was examined on a seasonal basis at two streams: Nant y Fall (NyF) and Cabeza de Vaca (CVA) at Patagonia, a region where this kind of information is lacking. RESULTS:The benthos density at NyF was higher than that at CVA, and at both streams, riffles supported higher macroinvertebrate densities than pools. The diet of trouts from both streams was dominated by aquatic macroinvertebrates, was diverse, and was varied seasonally. The individuals represented in the stomachcontents were among the largest available at the streams. Diet diversity peaked during spring at NyF

SUBMITTER: Di Prinzio CY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6747628 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature