Temporal stability of polymorphic Arctic charr parasite communities reflects sustained divergent trophic niches. Issue 11 (5th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rochat, Eloïse C.; Paterson, Rachel A.; Blasco‐Costa, Isabel; Power, Michael; Adams, Colin E.; Greer, Ron; Knudsen, Rune
• Is Part Of: Ecology and evolution. Volume 12:Issue 11(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-11-05
• Subjects: introduced species -- Salvelinus alpinus -- Scotland -- stable isotopes -- trophically transmitted parasites; Ecology -- Periodicals; Evolution -- Periodicals; 577.05
• DOI: 10.1002/ece3.9460
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-7758

Abstract

Abstract: Polymorphic Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus populations frequently display distinct differences in habitat use, diet, and parasite communities. Changes to the relative species densities and composition of the wider fish community have the potential to alter the habitat niche of sympatric Arctic charr populations. This study evaluated the temporal stability of the parasite community, diet, and stable isotopes (δ 13 C, δ 15 N) of three sympatric Arctic charr morphs (piscivore, benthivore, and planktivore) from Loch Rannoch, Scotland, in relation to changes to the fish community. All Arctic charr morphs displayed distinct differences in parasite communities, diet, and stable isotope signatures over time, despite the establishment of four new trophically transmitted parasite taxa, and increased fish and zooplankton consumption by the piscivorous and planktivore morphs, respectively. Native parasite prevalence also increased in all Arctic charr morphs. Overall, Loch Rannoch polymorphic Arctic charr morph populations have maintained their distinct trophic niches and parasite communities through time despite changes in the fish community. This result indicates that re‐stocking a native fish species has the potential to induce shifts in the parasite community and diet of Arctic charr morphs. Abstract : Our study showed that anthropogenic modification of the fish community can result in changes to the parasite fauna in the system, with the establishment of new species and varying levels of infection of native parasites over time. However, our model hosts were able to maintain their trimorphic population despite changes in the fish community.