Predation by inland silversides on an exotic cladoceran, Daphnia lumholtzi, in Lake Texoma, U.S.A.

Abstract

In the early 1990s, Lake Texoma was invaded by Daphnia lumholtzi, a large, spiny, exoticcladoceran. From April 1994 to April 1995 D. lumholtzi was most abundant in the lake in mid‐summer, after native zooplankton declined in early June. Inland silversides Menidia beryllina selectively preyed on D. lumholtzi but appeared to prefer the large native zooplankton when they were present. Daphnia lumholtzi was an important prey item for silversides during summer when large native zooplankton was scarce. The invasion of D. lumholtzi into Lake Texoma may benefit some zooplanktivorous fishes by increasing foraging opportunities during a time of low prey availability.