Trophic flexibility and opportunism in pike Esox lucius

Journal of Fish Biology
D PedreschiM Kelly-Quinn

Abstract

The first comprehensive investigation of pike Esox lucius trophic ecology in a region (Ireland) where they have long been thought to be a non-native species is presented. Diet was investigated across habitat types (lake, river and canal) through the combined methods of stable-isotope and stomach content analyses. Variations in niche size, specialization and the timing of the ontogenetic dietary switch were examined, revealing pronounced opportunism and feeding plasticity in E. lucius, along with a high occurrence of invertivory (up to 60 cm fork length, LF ) and a concomitant delayed switch to piscivory. Furthermore, E. lucius were found to primarily prey upon the highly available non-native roach Rutilus rutilus, which may alleviate predation pressure on brown trout Salmo trutta, highlighting the complexity of dynamic systems and the essential role of research in informing effective management.

References

Jul 13, 2000·Nature·D M PostN G Hairston
Mar 26, 2003·The American Naturalist·Daniel I BolnickMatthew L Forister
Sep 25, 2008·The American Naturalist·B W Robinson, D S Wilson
Mar 20, 2010·PloS One·Andrew C ParnellAndrew L Jackson
Mar 16, 2011·The Journal of Animal Ecology·Andrew L JacksonStuart Bearhop

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Citations

Jun 9, 2018·Journal of Fish Biology·Javier Sánchez-Hernández, Fernando Cobo
Sep 27, 2018·Journal of Fish Biology·Paul McLooneFiona Kelly
Jun 19, 2021·Behavioural Processes·Felipe André MeiraMarcelo Oliveira Gonzaga

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