Experimental evaluation of predatory impacts of Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) on embryos and larvae of the Green Toad Bufotes variabilis (Amphibia: Anura)

ABSTRACT

Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) are one of the most serious threats to native amphibian populations in most tropic and sub-tropic wetlands of the world. Predation on eggs, embryos and larvae appears to be the primary mechanism by which Mosquitofish cause declines in amphibians. In this study, we examined the direct effect of G. affinis predation on the growth, development and survival of embryos and larvae of the Green Toad Bufotes variabilis for three weeks. Results of the experimental B. variabilis exposure to four different predator densities including no predator, one, two and four adult female G. affinis showed that predator densities may have no effect on the growth and development of larvae but can significantly decrease the hatching time, hatching rate and survival of Green Toad eggs, embryos and larvae during their early life.

KEYWORDS:

• Bufotes variabilis
• Gambusia affinis
• growth
• development
• hatching rate

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.