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Predation capacity of tadpoles ( Bufo regularis ) using African catfish Heterobranchus longifilis larvae: impact of prey characteristics on vulnerability to predation
Author(s) -
Nguenga D,
Forbin I,
Teugels G G,
Ollevier F
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2109.2000.00519.x
Subject(s) - biology , predation , catfish , larva , bufo , biomass (ecology) , tadpole (physics) , zoology , ecology , fishery , fish <actinopterygii> , toad , physics , particle physics
Rates of predation by tadpoles of Bufo regularis on larvae of the African catfish Heterobranchus longifilis were determined under controlled laboratory conditions. Predation rates were high on early stage yolk‐sac and first‐feeding larvae, which have a poorly developed escape ability. A steady decline in predation rates was found with an increase in the size of the larvae. Predation rates were significantly related to prey density. The relationship between larval biomass eaten and biomass available suggested that tadpoles were not satiated when feeding on the largest larvae, probably because of the improved escape ability of these larvae. Prey movement was not found to be an important factor eliciting predation by tadpoles. Starved larvae were more vulnerable to predation because of a poor escape response. Our results indicate that tadpole predation may represent a substantial source of mortality of catfish larvae in earthen primary nursing ponds.