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Parasitic freshwater pearl mussel larvae (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) reduce the drift-feeding rate of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta L.)

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Abstract

In this paper we describe, for the first time, the effects of freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) encystment on the drift-feeding behavior of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta L.). Because both mussel and salmonid populations are often threatened, this study not only adds knowledge to the understanding of host-parasite systems, but it is also of conservation value. Individual trout, mussel-encysted (25.1 ± 5.7 larvae · g−1 body weight, n = 5) or non-encysted (n = 5), were fed with chironomid larvae in a flow-through stream aquarium. Feeding trials were filmed and analyzed by counting the numbers of chironomid larvae each individual ate, and by estimating the prey-capture distance. Non-encysted trout had a significantly higher drift-foraging rate than did encysted trout, and they captured significantly more prey further away from their focal point. The reduced foraging success of encysted trout was mainly due to their failure to catch prey relatively further from their focal point. This suggests that reduced foraging success of encysted trout may be due to poorer energetic status, but the physical effects of mussel larvae on prey handling time cannot be ruled out. Encysted trout caught approximately 20 % fewer prey, which would result in a reduction in growth potential during the period of mussel encystment. Reduced energetic status might also result in reduced competitive ability or in increased exposure to predation risk.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Fortums nordiska miljöfond, the Knowledge Foundation and Karlstad University for financing this study, and the land owners, fishing organizations and the County Administration Board in Västernorrland for permissions. The study was approved by the Board of Agriculture (Dnr A 54-10).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, Karlstad University, 651 88, Karlstad, Sweden

    E. Martin Österling, Julia Ferm & John J. Piccolo

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  1. E. Martin Österling
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  2. Julia Ferm
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  3. John J. Piccolo
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Correspondence to E. Martin Österling.

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Österling, E.M., Ferm, J. & Piccolo, J.J. Parasitic freshwater pearl mussel larvae (Margaritifera margaritifera L.) reduce the drift-feeding rate of juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta L.). Environ Biol Fish 97, 543–549 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-014-0251-x

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