Vertical Distribution Patterns of Crustaceous Zooplankton Associated with Invasive <i>Bythotrephes longimanus</i> and <i>Cercopagis pengoi</i> in Lake Champlain (U.S.A.)
<i>Bythotrephes longimanus</i> (spiny waterflea) and <i>Cercopagis pengoi</i> (fishhook waterflea) are large invasive predatory cladocerans that alter the composition, density, and behavior of native zooplankton communities. Lake Champlain was invaded by <i>Bythotrephes...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Diversity |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/17/6/371 |
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| Summary: | <i>Bythotrephes longimanus</i> (spiny waterflea) and <i>Cercopagis pengoi</i> (fishhook waterflea) are large invasive predatory cladocerans that alter the composition, density, and behavior of native zooplankton communities. Lake Champlain was invaded by <i>Bythotrephes</i> and <i>Cercopagis</i> in 2014 and 2018, respectively. This study was conducted to determine the changes in crustaceous zooplankton diel vertical migration (DVM) associated with the presence of these two invasive species. Daytime and nighttime zooplankton samples were collected from vertical net tows at 5 m intervals using 153 µm and 250 µm closing plankton nets at a 50 m deep site in Lake Champlain during the month of August (2013–2016, 2019, 2023, and 2024). Sampling dates encompassed years before and after each invader entered the lake. The results show increased DVM activity in several native zooplankton taxa associated with invasion years, including <i>Daphnia retrocurva</i>, <i>Bosmina longirostris</i>, and <i>Diacyclops thomasi</i>. Zooplankton in Lake Champlain appear to occupy deeper depths during the daytime after <i>Bythotrephes</i> and <i>Cercopagis</i> invaded than in previous years. Alterations associated with <i>Bythotrephes</i> were more extreme, whereas changes associated with <i>Cercopagis</i> were longer lasting. These shifts in DVM behavior have potential implications for trophic dynamics in Lake Champlain by altering competitive interactions and foraging behavior of zooplankton and their predators. |
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| ISSN: | 1424-2818 |