Effects of the filamentous cyanobacterium Nodularia on fitness and feeding behavior of young-of-the-year (YOY) Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis)

• AbstractThis study reveals that both cyanobacterial toxicity and turbidity have the potential to reduce the growth and energy storage of young-of-the-year (YOY) perch and thereby influence survival rates. During the 1990's a reduction in recruitment of YOY perch (Perca fluviatilis) occurred along the Swedish East coast. Concurrently, large blooms of filamentous cyanobacteria have increased in the Baltic Proper and in coastal waters. This study examined whether extended exposure to toxic and non-toxic filamentous cyanobacterium Nodularia affect YOY perch growth and feeding behavior under simulated bloom conditions (30 days at 50 μg Chl a L−1). Specific growth rate (SGR), the somatic condition index (SCI) and the lipid content of YOY perch (10–12 weeks old) were significantly lower in perch exposed to Nodularia compared to fed controls (no Nodularia). YOY perch exposed to non-toxic Nodularia displayed a higher attack rate than perch living in Nodularia free controls in 2 out of 3 trials. Reductions in growth and energy storage, mediated by cyanobacteria, increase the risk of starvation and predation and could locally influence recruitment of YOY perch.Highlights► We investigate the effects of toxic and non-toxic cyanobacterial (Nodularia sp.) on young-of-the-year (YOY) perch (Perca fluviatilis). ► Endpoints are specific growth rate (SGR), lipid content and feeding behavior (feeding and attack rate). ► Results show that both non-toxic and toxic Nodularia reduce SGR and lipid content of YOY perch. ► Reduced growth and energy storage may locally influence recruitment of YOY perch. 

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Biologi -- Ekologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Biological Sciences -- Ecology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Perch; Baltic Sea; cyanobacteria

toxins

juvenile

Marine ecology

Marin ekologi

Aquatic Ecology

Akvatisk ekologi

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)