Tag Archives: CMS

Edgar M., Kimmel, N. and M. S. Poesch. (2025) Community trophic structure within reservoirs change in the presence of invasive Chinese Mystery Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) and Northern Crayfish (Faxonius virilis). Aquatic Science 87: 99.

Abstract

The expansion of invasive species significantly threatens ecosystem biodiversity and stability, often leading to alterations in food web dynamics and trophic interactions. This study examines the impacts of two invasive species, the Chinese Mystery Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) and Northern Crayfish (Faxonius virilis), in Alberta’s reservoir ecosystems. These species, originally from Asia and Canada’s eastern regions respectively, have established populations in Alberta, raising concerns about their effects on local aquatic food webs. Using stable isotope analysis across five reservoirs with varying invasive species presence, we assessed shifts in trophic structure, resource use, and isotopic niche overlap among native and invasive species. Findings reveal that reservoirs with invasive species showed significant changes in food web length, trophic diversity, and isotopic niche overlap, especially in systems where both species coexisted. Notably, both invasive species reduced macrophyte availability, or availability of isotopically similar resources, leading to shifts in fish diets toward higher trophic levels and affecting their trophic positions. Additionally, niche overlap between the two invasives suggests potential competition for resources, with Northern Crayfish possibly predating on Chinese Mystery Snail in resource-scarce environments. These results indicate that invasive species presence can significantly impact trophic structures, leading to competitive exclusion, changes in fish feeding strategies, and broader ecosystem productivity alterations. Future management should prioritize containment and monitor these invasives’ long-term impacts, particularly given their potential to disrupt biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Citation: Edgar M.*, Kimmel, N. and M. S. Poesch. (2025) Community trophic structure within reservoirs change in the presence of invasive Chinese Mystery Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis) and Northern Crayfish (Faxonius virilis). Aquatic Sciences 87: 99. DOI: 10.1007/s00027-025-01220-z.

Also Read:

Edgar M.*, Hanington P., Lu R., Proctor H., Zurawell R., Kimmel N. and M.S. Poesch (2022) The First Documented Occurrence and Life History Characteristics of the Chinese Mystery Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis, Mollusca: Viviparidae) in Alberta, Canada. BioInvasions Records 11(2): 449-460.

*Lab members: Megan Edgar and Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!

Edgar M.*, Hanington P., Lu R., Proctor H., Zurawell R., Kimmel N. and M.S. Poesch (2022) The First Documented Occurrence and Life History Characteristics of the Chinese Mystery Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis, Mollusca: Viviparidae) in Alberta, Canada. BioInvasions Records 11(2): 449-460.

Abstract:

 The Chinese mystery snail Cipangopaludina fhinensis (Gray, 1834), a species native to Asia, is documented for the first time in Alberta, Canada, in McGregor Lake Reservoir in 2019. Here, we describe the initial finding of C. chinensis in Alberta, Canada, and biological information that may aid management efforts. Collected specimens were confirmed as C. chinensis through DNA barcoding. Analysis of growth rate, fecundity, and infection by digenean trematodes was assessed. It is unknown how C. chinensis arrived in Alberta. However, this species’ ability to withstand environmental stressors, such as desiccation, facilitates overland and long-distance transport via recreationists or deliberate release of C. chinensis into waterbodies. Snails collected from McGregor Lake Reservoir matched with GenBank results for C. chinensis from Korea. Analysis of digenean trematodes revealed that the population in McGregor Lake are not infected, as there were no cercariae present after 24 hours. Growth assessment over a period of 60 weeks revealed that shell length growth quickly outpaces growth in shell width. Upon emergence, C. chinensis are larger than many native snail species. The expansion of C. chinensis into Alberta poses potential negative consequences, such as decreased native snail biomass, increased nitrogen to phosphorus ratios, and additive impacts when paired with other invasive species.

Citation: Edgar M.*, Hanington P., Lu R., Proctor H., Zurawell R., Kimmel N. and M.S. Poesch (2022) The First Documented Occurrence and Life History Characteristics of the Chinese Mystery Snail (Cipangopaludina chinensis, Mollusca: Viviparidae) in Alberta, Canada. BioInvasions Records 11(2): 449-460. 

Also Read:

Van Mierlo V. A.*, Green S. J., Emmerton C. A., Nasr M., Buendia C., Wyatt F. and M. S. Poesch. (2022). Occupancy of invasive Northern Crayfish (Faxonius virilis) in northern systems is driven primarily by tributary water temperature. Freshwater Science 41(4).

*Lab members: Megan Edgar and Mark Poesch. Check out opportunities in the lab!