Open AccessTemporal stability of polymorphic Arctic charr parasite communities reflects sustained divergent trophic niches
Author(s) -
Rochat Eloïse C.,
Paterson Rachel A.,
BlascoCosta Isabel,
Power Michael,
Adams Colin E.,
Greer Ron,
Knudsen Rune
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
ecology and evolution
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.17
H-Index - 63
ISSN - 2045-7758
DOI - 10.1002/ece3.9460
Subject(s) - biology , salvelinus , trophic level , planktivore , sympatric speciation , ecology , piscivore , ecological niche , arctic , parasite hosting , sympatry , zoology , habitat , trout , fishery , predation , phytoplankton , fish <actinopterygii> , nutrient , world wide web , computer science , predator
Abstract Polymorphic Arctic charr Salvelinus alpinus populations frequently display distinct differences in habitat use, diet, and parasite communities. Changes to the relative species densities and composition of the wider fish community have the potential to alter the habitat niche of sympatric Arctic charr populations. This study evaluated the temporal stability of the parasite community, diet, and stable isotopes (δ 13 C, δ 15 N) of three sympatric Arctic charr morphs (piscivore, benthivore, and planktivore) from Loch Rannoch, Scotland, in relation to changes to the fish community. All Arctic charr morphs displayed distinct differences in parasite communities, diet, and stable isotope signatures over time, despite the establishment of four new trophically transmitted parasite taxa, and increased fish and zooplankton consumption by the piscivorous and planktivore morphs, respectively. Native parasite prevalence also increased in all Arctic charr morphs. Overall, Loch Rannoch polymorphic Arctic charr morph populations have maintained their distinct trophic niches and parasite communities through time despite changes in the fish community. This result indicates that re‐stocking a native fish species has the potential to induce shifts in the parasite community and diet of Arctic charr morphs.