The decomposition process of trout was analyzed in a Northern Italian stream, investigating the different importance of macro (invertebrates) and micro (fungi) consumers. Trout carcasses exibited an exponential mass loss over time and attracted a rich community of microbic and invertebrate colonists. Final values for fish decay were significantly affected by the presence of macroconsumers; nevertheless, the role of macroinvertebrates seems to be not as predominant as in other ecological systems. Our study indicates that in lotic environments, which lack specialized necrophagous or sarcophagous invertebrate taxa equivalent to those found in terrestrial environments (such as maggots or carrion beetles), microconsumers play a main role in fish carrions decomposition.
Contribution of macro and microconsumers to the decomposition of fish carcasses in low order streams: an experimental study
DEL FRATE, GIUSEPPE
2010-01-01
Abstract
The decomposition process of trout was analyzed in a Northern Italian stream, investigating the different importance of macro (invertebrates) and micro (fungi) consumers. Trout carcasses exibited an exponential mass loss over time and attracted a rich community of microbic and invertebrate colonists. Final values for fish decay were significantly affected by the presence of macroconsumers; nevertheless, the role of macroinvertebrates seems to be not as predominant as in other ecological systems. Our study indicates that in lotic environments, which lack specialized necrophagous or sarcophagous invertebrate taxa equivalent to those found in terrestrial environments (such as maggots or carrion beetles), microconsumers play a main role in fish carrions decomposition.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
