Jp. Volpe et al., Competition among juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss): relevance to invasion potential in British Columbia, CAN J FISH, 58(1), 2001, pp. 197-207
Citations number
45
Categorie Soggetti
Aquatic Sciences
Journal title
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are routinely captured in both freshwater and
marine environments of coastal British Columbia (Canada). Recent evidence
suggests that this species is now naturally reproducing in Vancouver Island
rivers. Our objective was to quantify the performance of each species in i
ntra- and inter-specific competition by assessing the competitive ability o
f Atlantic salmon sympatric with native niche equivalent steelhead - rainbo
w trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Significant behavioural differences, particu
larly with respect to agonism, were observed between species; however, the
status of an individual as resident or challenger was the best predictor of
performance. Resident fish always outperformed challengers, regardless of
species. Thus, we suggest that Atlantic salmon may be capable of colonizing
and persisting in coastal British Columbia river systems that are underuti
lized by native species, such as the steelhead.