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The trophic importance of epiphytic algae in a freshwater macrophyte system (Potamogeton perfoliatus L.): stable isotope and fatty acid analyses

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Abstract

Stable isotope and fatty acid analyses were used to study carbon sources for animals in a submerged plant bed. Epiphytes growing on Potamogeton perfoliatus, sand microflora, and alder leaves were the most important carbon sources. The most abundant macrophyte, P. perfoliatus was unimportant as a food source. Modelling (IsoSource) showed that epiphytes were the most important food source for the most abundant benthic invertebrates, the isopod Asellus aquaticus (annual mean contribution 64%), the amphipod Gammarus pulex (66%), and the gastropod Potamopyrgus antipodarum (83%). The mean annual contributions of sand microflora were, respectively, 21, 19, and 9%; and of alder leaves, 15, 15, and 8% for these three species. The relative importance of carbon sources varied seasonally. The relative contribution of epiphytes was lowest for all three grazer species in July: A. aquaticus 38%, G. pulex 43%, and P. antipodarum 42%. A decline in epiphyte biomass in summer may have caused this switch to less attractive food sources. P. perfoliatus provided habitat and shelter for consumers, but food was mainly supplied indirectly by providing space for attached epiphytes, which are fast-growing and provide a highly nutritious food source.

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Acknowledgments

We thank T. Hansen for the analysis of the stable isotope samples. We also thank N. Aberle-Malzahn for helpful comments on the manuscript. S. Flöder provided valuable assistance in the field. The Brazilian National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq) and the German Research Foundation supported this work (So 145/20).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. IFM-GEOMAR Leibniz Institute of Marine Sciences, Düsternbrooker Weg 20, 24105, Kiel, Germany

    Sybill Jaschinski & Ulrich Sommer

  2. ICBM-TERRAMARE, Oldenburg University, Schleusenstr. 1, 26382, Wilhelmshaven, Germany

    Daniela C. Brepohl

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  1. Sybill Jaschinski
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Correspondence to Sybill Jaschinski.

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Jaschinski, S., Brepohl, D.C. & Sommer, U. The trophic importance of epiphytic algae in a freshwater macrophyte system (Potamogeton perfoliatus L.): stable isotope and fatty acid analyses. Aquat Sci 73, 91–101 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00027-010-0163-6

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