Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) suppress Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) feeding activity and increase aggressive behaviours at warmer temperatures

Abstract

By 2050, mean temperature in the state of Maine, located in the Northeastern USA, is expected to increase nearly 1°C, which could directly affect native coldwater salmonid behaviour and increase competition with warmwater smallmouth bass. We conducted a microcosm experiment to examine the feeding and agonistic behaviour of endangered juvenile Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) at two temperatures (18 and 21°C) in the presence and absence of non-native Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu). By visually reviewing footage of fish competition in our tanks, we quantified feeding and agonistic interactions. We predicted salmon would exhibit lower feeding activity than bass at 21°C and antagonistic interactions between the two species would increase with warming. We found salmon feeding activity was reduced by smallmouth bass presence and this effect was stronger at 21°C. We also found smallmouth bass aggression was strongest at 21°C when salmon were present. Lastly, feeding activity and aggression in both species changed with food availability. These findings illustrate the potential for invasive warmwater species to outcompete native salmonids for resources, especially under the warmer conditions predicted by climate change scenarios.