Size-structured effects of common carp on reproduction of pond-breeding amphibians

摘要: The role of fish in driving amphibian communities has been widely recognized. However, little is known about size-structured interactions between and populations. This study compared the taxonomic occurrence densities larval amphibians unstocked ponds stocked with different age cohorts common carp Cyprinus carpio differing average body size. total early late breeding anurans to be vulnerable were by 1–2 orders magnitude greater presence young-of-the-year than that older cohorts. probabilities most taxa did not differ free carp, but significantly larger those large-size No significant differences pond categories found for unpalatable Bufo bufo larvae. In aquatic systems harbouring populations, a age/size gradient may explain differential habitat suitability better presence/absence dichotomy. When dominated young incapable predation or adverse alteration, fish-abundant waters are suitable reproduction. Conversely, even ‘non-predatory’ fish, after attaining large size, exert detrimental impact on success. These findings particularly important conservation at fisheries characterized spatial separation distributed stocks.