Introduced American eels Anguilla rostrata in European waters: life‐history traits in a non‐native environment. Issue 6 (30th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Marohn, L.; Prigge, E.; Hanel, R.
• Is Part Of: Journal of fish biology. Volume 84:Issue 6(2014)
• Page Start: 1740
• Page End: 1747
• Publication Date: 2014-04-30
• Subjects: Fishes -- Periodicals; Fishes -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 597
• DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12394
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1112

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="jfb12394-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p id="jfb12394-para-0001">This study investigated growth, condition and development of American eels <italic>Anguilla rostrata</italic> that were introduced into a European river to estimate their competitive potential in a non‐native habitat. Results demonstrate that <italic>A. rostrata</italic> develops normally in European waters and successfully competes with the native European eel <italic>Anguilla anguilla</italic>. In addition, <italic>A. rostrata</italic> appears to be more susceptible to the Asian swimbladder nematode <italic>Anguillicola crassus</italic> than <italic>A. anguilla</italic> and could support the further propagation of this parasite. Detected differences in fat content and gonad mass between <italic>Anguilla</italic> species are assumed to reflect species‐specific adaptations to spawning migration distances. This study indicates that <italic>A. rostrata</italic> is a potential competitor for the native fauna in European fresh waters and suggests strict import regulations to prevent additional pressure on <italic>A. anguilla</italic> and a potential further deterioration of its stock situation.</p> </abstract>