2023 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference

March 5-7, 2023 • Cincinnati, OH

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5/23/2019 | 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM | ONTOGENETIC AND SEX-SPECIFIC TROPHIC PLASTICITY OF FAXONIUS VIRILIS IN THE SASKATCHEWAN RIVER SYSTEM | 253 AB

ONTOGENETIC AND SEX-SPECIFIC TROPHIC PLASTICITY OF FAXONIUS VIRILIS IN THE SASKATCHEWAN RIVER SYSTEM

Crayfish act as key predators at multiple trophic levels and provide a critical food source to higher order predators in many aquatic ecosystems. Understanding their habitat and dietary selection are thus important considerations for long-term management of systems containing crayfish. We investigated the relative trophic position and habitat use of the crayfish Faxonius virilis in the Saskatchewan River, Canada, based on carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes. Juvenile F. virilis had significantly higher ?13C and lower ?15N when compared to adults. We propose this signifies an ontogenetic shift from slower flowing waters and a more herbivorous diet in juveniles, to a fast flowing environment and a more predatory lifestyle in adults. Female F. virilis adults had significantly higher ?13C compared to adult males. Due to the timing of sampling (post egg carrying period) and the cryptic nature of females during rearing, this difference may be associated with a shift to slower moving waters when rearing young. We conclude that habitat requirements of F. virilis differ between age classes and sexes. Therefore, considering the requirements of individual life stages is essential for efficient management.

Carbon
Nitrogen
Isotope

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Presenters/Authors

Joel Houston (), Troutreach Saskatchewan, houstonj@uleth.ca;