Contrasting structural complexity differentiate hunting strategy in an ambush apex predator

Abstract Structural complexity is known to influence prey behaviour, mortality and population structure, but the effects on predators have received less attention. We tested whether contrasting structural in two newly colonised lakes (low lake—LSC; high complexity—HSC) was associated with behaviour an aquatic apex predator, Northern pike ( Esox lucius ; hereafter pike) present lakes. Behaviour of studied whole-lake acoustic telemetry tracking, supplemented by stable isotope analysis utilization survey fishing data fish community. Pike displayed increased activity, space use, individual growth as well behavioural differentiation spent more time open waters LSC lake. Despite observed differences between lakes, isotopes analyses indicated a dependency littoral food sources both concluded that HSC lake consistent prevalent ambush predation whereas higher activity larger use transition active search behaviour. It could lead encounter cause better Our study demonstrated how mediated prominent changes foraging which turn may