![]() In essence, these consumers tend to incorporate energy from a wide range of prey taxa and thereby often link multiple energetic pathways 8, 9, 10. Large-bodied apex predators play a key role in community dynamics and ecosystem stability 1, 2, 3 due to their generalist foraging strategy on prey at different trophic levels and from different habitats 4, 5, 6, 7. Catfish, similar to other large-bodied apex predators, have two typical features: enormous generalism and adaptability to new prey sources. The key feature of catfish, and probably a common feature of apex predators in general, is utilization of several dietary strategies by individuals within a population: long-term generalism or specialization and also short-term specialization. The impact of catfish is apparent across the entire aquatic ecosystem, but herbivores are the most affected ecological group. ![]() The role of both species in the ecosystem is irreplaceable due to multiple predator effects. Catfish and pike have different individual dietary specialization that results in different functional roles in coupling or compartmentalizing distinct food webs. Catfish niche width is extremely wide in comparison to the typical model predator, Northern pike ( Esox lucius). ![]() The present study combines stomach content and stable isotope analyses with diet preferences of catfish to reveal its impact on the ecosystem since stocking. However, studies concerning apex predators in freshwaters are scarce in comparison to those in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. By contrast, European catfish ( Silurus glanis), the European freshwater apex predator, is on the increase. Apex predators play a key role in ecosystem stability across environments but their numbers in general are decreasing. ![]()
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