Development of a Bioenergetics Model for the Threespine Stickleback

Abstract

The Threespine Stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus is widely distributed across northern hemisphere ecosystems, has ecological influence as an abundant planktivore, and is commonly used as a model organism, but the species lacks a comprehensive model to describe bioenergetic performance in response to varying environmental or ecological conditions. This study parameterized a bioenergetics model for the Threespine Stickleback using laboratory measurements to determine mass- and temperature-dependent functions for maximum consumption and routine respiration costs. Maximum consumption experiments were conducted across a range of temperatures from 7.5°C to 23.0°C and a range of fish weights from 0.5 to 4.5 g. Respiration experiments were conducted across a range of temperatures from 8°C to 28°C. Model sensitivity was consistent with other comparable models in that the mass-dependent parameters for maximum consumption were the most sensitive. Growth estimates based on the Threespine Stickleback bioenergetics model suggested that 22°C is the optimal temperature for growth when food is not limiting. The bioenergetics model performed well when used to predict independent, paired measures of consumption and growth observed from a separate wild population of Threespine Sticklebacks. Predicted values for consumption and growth (expressed as percent body weight per day) only deviated from observed values by 2.0%. Our model should provide insight into the physiological performance of this species across a range of environmental conditions and be useful for quantifying the trophic impact of this species in food webs containing other ecologically or economically important species.

Received February 10, 2015; accepted July 27, 2015

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors thank C. Peichel, K. Marchinko, and S. McCann of the Peichel laboratory at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center for providing equipment, organisms, and advice for the consumption and respiration experiments. All animals were treated in accordance with the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (protocol number 1575). T. Quinn of the University of Washington provided valuable support and helpful edits on the manuscript. Financial support for R. Hovel was provided by the H. Mason Keeler Fellowship awarded by the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington, and Seattle Public Utilities. The Washington Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit is jointly supported by the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Washington, the Washington Departments of Ecology, Fish and Wildlife, and Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Wildlife Institute. The use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.