Temperature-Specific Competition between Invasive Mosquitofish and an Endangered Cyprinodontid Fish

摘要: Condition-specific competition is widespread in nature. Species inhabiting heterogeneous environments tend to differ competitive abilities depending on environmental stressors. Interactions between these factors can allow coexistence of competing species, which may be particularly important invasive and native species. Here, we examine the effects temperature interactions mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki, an endemic Iberian toothcarp, Aphanius iberus. We compare tendency approach heterospecifics food capture rates two differences sexes species aggressive interactions, at three different temperatures (19, 24 29°C) laboratory experiments. Mosquitofish exhibit much more aggression than toothcarp. show that mosquitofish have capacity competitively displace toothcarp through interference this outcome likely higher temperatures. also a reversal hierarchy reduced rate by lower suggest types act synergistically deprive Males both carry out overtly acts females, probably related marked sexual dimorphism associated mating systems thus impact heavily from especially warmer summer months, lead changes abundance displacement non-preferred habitats. Globally increasing mean highly invasive, warm-water able colonize they are currently excluded physiological tolerance low Research into fundamental importance.