Aquatic macroinvertebrates from littoral vegetated lakes in arid Patagonia: the influence of fish introduction on community structure
- Lopez, María Eugenia
- Saad, Juan Francisco
- Izaguirre, Irina
- Marinone, María Cristina
- Fontanarrosa, María Soledad
DOIAbstract
Wetlands in arid regions are characterized by their great heterogeneity, often including endemic species that contribute to regional aquatic biodiversity. In the Patagonian steppe, most lakes are naturally fishless and sustain a rich aquatic biodiversity, including endemics; however, many of these lakes have been stocked with Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) during recent decades. The introduction of predatory fish into aquatic ecosystems naturally devoid of these organisms can produce profound alterations in the structure of the original communities and in the configuration of their biotic assemblages. Aquatic invertebrates play important roles in both the structure and functioning of freshwater ecosystems, including their contribution ...
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