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Comparing competitive ability and associated metabolic traits between a resident and migratory population of bull trout against a non-native species

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Abstract

Juvenile bull trout Salvelinus confluentus from two geographically and ecologically distinct populations were compared with regard to their ability to compete with non-native brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis in an artificial stream, and with respect to their rates of oxygen consumption. Bull trout collected from a migratory population foraged more successfully against brook trout competitors than those from a resident population, capturing more of a limited amount of food items presented. The migratory population was also more aggressive (measured by the number of nips, chases and lateral threat displays) against brook trout competitors than the resident population. Bull trout from the migratory population had a higher oxygen consumption rate (203 mg O2 kg · hr-1) in the field than similar sized fish from the resident population (183 mg O2 kg · hr-1). These results suggest native bull trout have population-level variation in competitive ability against a non-native species and such competitive ability is positively associated with metabolism and migratory life history.

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Acknowledgments

We thank R. Gresswell, D. Wig, M. Coombs, M. Rodtka, R. Laird, A. Hurly, T. Burg, C. Goater, C. Goodman, C. Adrian, K. Kuchapski, R. Annett, R. Royer, L. Miller, A. Hontela, M. Lalumiere for their discussion, technical assistance and comments. We also thank the anonymous reviewers that provided comments on this manuscript. Operational costs of this research were supported by an Alberta Conservation Association Grant Eligible Conservation Fund, Trout Unlimited Canada’s Coldwater Conservation Fund, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Discovery Grant to J.B.R. Graduate fellowships were provided to W.G.W. by an NSERC Industrial Postgraduate Scholarship. Fish were cared for in accordance with the guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care and the study was reviewed and approved by the University of Lethbridge Animal Welfare Committee.

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  1. Department of Biological Sciences, Water and Environmental Sciences Building, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr. W., Lethbridge, AB, T1K3M4, Canada

    Will G. Warnock & Joseph B. Rasmussen

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  1. Will G. Warnock
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  2. Joseph B. Rasmussen
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Correspondence to Will G. Warnock.

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Warnock, W.G., Rasmussen, J.B. Comparing competitive ability and associated metabolic traits between a resident and migratory population of bull trout against a non-native species. Environ Biol Fish 97, 415–423 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10641-013-0161-3

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