Interactions of Monoporeia affinis (Lindström) (Amphipoda) with sedentary Chironomidae

Abstract

Interannual population oscillations ofMonoporeia affinis and sedentary chironomids are negatively correlated in Lake Mälaren. Sedentary chironomid abundance regressed againstM. affinis density was highly significant at a lag response of one year (adj. R²=0.54, P=0.0001). The inverse correlation between Tanytarsini (Micropsectra sp. andTanytarsus sp.) andM. affinis densities supports a recruitment limitation hypothesis,viz. that the growth or survival of early instar chironomids is low at high amphipod densities. Microcosm studies showed density-dependent effects on the growth and survival of second instarCh. riparius larvae across an amphipod density gradient. No significant effects were found on growth or survival of third instars. These findings support the chironomid recruitment limitation hypothesis. Amphipod predation on early instar chironomid larvae is suggested as a population controlling mechanism.

Published in

Netherlands journal of aquatic ecology
1992, Volume: 26, pages: 491-497

SLU Authors

• Johnson, Richard

  • Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02255280

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/88291