Temporal stability of polymorphic Arctic charr parasite communities reflects sustained divergent trophic niches.

ABSTRACT: Polymorphic Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus populations frequently display distinct differences in habitat use, diet, and parasite communities. Changes to the relative species densities and composition of the wider fish community have the potential to alter the habitat niche of sympatric Arctic charr populations. This study evaluated the temporal stability of the parasite community, diet, and stable isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) of three sympatric Arctic charr morphs (piscivore, benthivore, and planktivore) from Loch Rannoch, Scotland, in relation to changes to the fish community. All Arctic charr morphs displayed distinct differences in parasite communities, diet, and stable isotope signatures over time, despite the establishment of four new trophically transmitted pa

SUBMITTER: Rochat EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9636502 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature