Occurrence, dispersion and habitat preferences of Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii) in oxbow lakes of a large river and its tributary

Jacek Rechulicz,Wojciech Płaska,Dorota Nawrot

doi:10.1007/s10452-015-9532-5

Abstract

Amur sleeper (Perccottus glenii) is currently one of the most invasive fish species in Europe. This inspired our research to identify potential channels of emigration in two rivers, the Vistula and the Wieprz. Amur sleeper occurrence, abundance, population size structure and impact on indicators of diversity were examined in oxbow lakes of both rivers. Amur sleeper was recorded for the first time in floodplain areas located between two rivers, which may serve as main travel corridors. Amur sleeper was noted in four out of six oxbow lakes in each river. Its relative abundance varied depending on the oxbow lake, ranging from 0.002 to 1.60 ind. m−2 in the basin of the Vistula River and from 0.04 to 0.35 ind. m−2 in the basin of the Wieprz River. Percentage share in the dominance structure ranged from 2.42 to 100 % and from 40 to over 67 % in the oxbow lakes of the Vistula River and Wieprz River, respectively. The size structure of the Amur sleeper populations was dominated by young individuals (Tl < 50 mm), which is characteristic of developing populations. The presence of Amur sleeper did not significantly affect biodiversity indicators. Its occurrence was related to the amount of vegetative cover.

Highlights

In recent years, Amur sleeper, Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877 (Odontobutidae), has been one of the most invasive fish species in Europe
Amur sleeper was confirmed in the oxbow lakes of the Vistula River, and its presence was recorded for the first time in the oxbow lakes of the Wieprz River, a tributary of the Vistula River (Fig. 1)
The present study is the first record of the presence of Amur sleeper in the oxbow lakes of the Wieprz River, a tributary of the Vistula River

Summary

Introduction

Amur sleeper, Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877 (Odontobutidae), has been one of the most invasive fish species in Europe. It has been reported for the first time in the water bodies of many countries Reshetnikov (2013) reports that the range of Amur sleeper in Europe is continually increasing. The problem of this species’ movement and spread to new areas is important in terms of the phenomenon of invasiveness. In case of Amur sleeper, this is probably due to the difficulty of conducting field research in small water bodies, where the species most often occurs, as they are often inaccessible and heavily overgrown with vegetation

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Conclusion