Differential microdistributions and interspecific interactions in coexisting native and introduced Gammarus spp. (Crustacea: Amphipoda)

Abstract

In Northern Ireland, the native Gammarus duebeni celticus and introduced Gammarus tigrinus occur in the same river and lake systems. This study examined the outcome of encounters between the two amphipod species in the same patch of lake/pooled area of river. A laboratory simulation of a lake/river habitat indicated that G. d. celticus and G. tigrinus differed in distribution within the same complex habitat. Cannibalism was low for both species in single and mixed species treatments. However, G. tigrinus suffered heavy intraguild predation (IGP) from G. d. celticus in mixed species treatments, with 22% of the laboratory population of G. tigrinus being eliminated within 4 days. There was negligible reciprocal predation of G. d. celticus by G. tigrinus. It is proposed that IGP may account for G. tigrinus occurring more frequently and in greater abundance in patches of lotic and lentic systems where predatory G. d. celticus is absent or scarce.