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Foraging specialisms influence space use and movement patterns of the European eel Anguilla anguilla

Barry, J.; Newton, M.; Dodd, J.A.; Hooker, O.E.; Boylan, P.; Lucas, M.C.; Adams, C.E.

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Authors

J. Barry

M. Newton

J.A. Dodd

O.E. Hooker

P. Boylan

C.E. Adams



Abstract

A fixed receiver array was used to examine the movement patterns and space use of the European eel Anguilla anguilla in an oligotrophic Irish lake between July and September. We assessed home range size, temporal change in spatial behaviour and activity patterns of broad-headed (n = 11) and narrow-headed (n = 8) morphotypes. Broad-headed individuals displayed a larger home range (mean KUD95 (km2):0.296 ± 0.04 S.E.) in comparison to narrow-headed individuals (mean KUD95 (km2):0.143 ± 0.02 S.E.). Eel activity was strongly dependent on light conditions. Narrow-headed individuals’ movement peaks occurred at dawn and dusk in comparison to broad-headed individuals which exhibited a more stable movement pattern throughout night and into dawn, suggesting that narrow-headed eels are more crepuscular in nature whereas broad-headed individuals are more nocturnal. Lunar phase period also influenced eel movement within the lake. These results provide valuable insights into the spatio-temporal distribution of yellow eels in a lake system, demonstrating that individuality in foraging behaviour has direct influence on spatial patterns.

Citation

Barry, J., Newton, M., Dodd, J., Hooker, O., Boylan, P., Lucas, M., & Adams, C. (2015). Foraging specialisms influence space use and movement patterns of the European eel Anguilla anguilla. Hydrobiologia, 766(1), 333-348. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-015-2466-z

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 27, 2015
Online Publication Date Sep 5, 2015
Publication Date Feb 1, 2015
Deposit Date Mar 31, 2016
Publicly Available Date Sep 5, 2016
Journal Hydrobiologia
Print ISSN 0018-8158
Electronic ISSN 1573-5117
Publisher Springer
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 766
Issue 1
Pages 333-348
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-015-2466-z
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1408172

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