Combined stable isotope and gut contents analysis of food webs in plant-dominated, shallow lakes

Jones, J.I. and Waldron, S. (2003) Combined stable isotope and gut contents analysis of food webs in plant-dominated, shallow lakes. Freshwater Biology, 48(8), pp. 1396-1407. (doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2427.2003.01095.x)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2427.2003.01095.x

Abstract

1. To determine feeding links between primary producers, invertebrates and fish, stable isotope analyses and gut content analyses of fish were conducted on the components of four shallow, eutrophic to hypertrophic, plant-dominated lakes. 2. Although separation of basal resources was possible, the diets of both fish and invertebrates were broad, comprising food from different compartments (planktonic, epiphytic/benthic), as well as from different trophic levels. 3. Mixing models were used to determine the extent to which periphyton production supported higher trophic levels. Only one species of invertebrate relied upon periphyton production exclusively. 4. Fish density affected the diets of invertebrates. The response was different for planktonic and epiphytic/benthic invertebrates. The proportion of periphyton production in the diets of zooplankton appeared to increase with fish density, whilst it decreased for other invertebrates. 5. As all zooplankton samples were collected in the open water at dusk, these results are further evidence for the diurnal horizontal migration of zooplankton. Although not conclusive, they are consistent with a behavioural response by invertebrates and zooplankton in the presence of fish.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Waldron, Professor Susan
Authors: Jones, J.I., and Waldron, S.
Subjects:S Agriculture > SH Aquaculture. Fisheries. Angling
Q Science > QL Zoology
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Freshwater Biology
Publisher:Blackwell Publishing
ISSN:0046-5070
Copyright Holders:© Copyright 2003 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
First Published:First published in Freshwater Biology 48(8):1396-1407
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.

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