Research Article

The remarkable observation for a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) food from estuarine/coastal area (İzmir/Turkey): A mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)

Volume: 39 Number: 3 September 15, 2022
EN

The remarkable observation for a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) food from estuarine/coastal area (İzmir/Turkey): A mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki)

Abstract



The purpose of this study is to create awareness about the species of mosquito fishes (Gambusia holbrooki Girard, 1859) both vectors and ways of introduction to new aquatic habitats. Because the species creates risks, especially for the circumstance of the native and endemic fish fauna, studies about introduction stories of the species are quite important to prevent the risk. In the current report, mosquitofishes which are known as a highly invasive species were found in the crop content of a hen mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos L., 1758) in an estuarine area, the Gediz River Basin (İzmir, Turkey). This report is the first record of a duck consuming mosquitofish. Although nevertheless, it is known that mallard duck feeding behaviour does not predominantly contain fish (they mainly feed on plant seeds), according to this observation, mosquitofish might be added to the prey list of mallards as a new type of food. Therewith, this feeding behavior also indicates that ducks might be a potential vector for the transport of invasive mosquitofishes.


Keywords

Supporting Institution

yok

Project Number

yok

Thanks

We would like to thank the Gediz Delta local fishermen who are sensitive to academic studies. Ethical permission is not required for the present study.

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Hydrobiology

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 15, 2022

Submission Date

February 17, 2022

Acceptance Date

June 8, 2022

Published in Issue

Year 1970 Volume: 39 Number: 3

APA
Salman, M. A., Kurtul, I., & Sarı, H. (2022). The remarkable observation for a mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) food from estuarine/coastal area (İzmir/Turkey): A mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). Ege Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 39(3), 191-196. https://doi.org/10.12714/egejfas.39.3.03