K. Aarnio, E. Bonsdorff-1997
Marine Biology, 129 (1) : 11-14 (from Current Contents)
Abstract:
We studied the resistance of benthic prey organisms (Ostracoda, Hydrobia spp., Macoma balthica) to digestion by juvenile flounder, Platichthys flesus (L.), in a series of aquarium experiments. Results showed that some food species are able to survive the gut passage (Ostracoda 53 to 75%, Hydrobia spp. 46 to 92%). This has ecological implications, as increasing eutrophication of the Baltic Sea favours prey species that are non-digestible for the juvenile flounder. Thus, seemingly small changes in food web structure may have unpredictable effects for the predatory fish.
(Abo Akad Univ, Dept Biol, Huso Biol Stn, FIN-22220 Emkarby, Finland)
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