Effects of Warming on Aquatic Snails and Periphyton in Freshwater Ecosystems with and without Predation by Common Carp

Freshwater gastropods play key roles in shallow aquatic ecosystems, with a central position the periphyton–gastropod–fish trophic pathway, as they feed on periphyton and are preyed by animals of higher levels. Thus, it is great interest to explore how climate change impacts gastropod community cascading effects periphyton. Here, we constructed simplified, lake food web 24 large mesocosm tanks simulate warming (+4.5 °C) population responses two common snails (Bellamya aeruginosa Radix swinhoei) different systems (without/with carp Cyprinus carpio) over 200 days. We found that lowered biomass density R. swinhoei 16.8% 41.6%, respectively, accelerated average time peak 21.5 days carp-absent system. The B. group was 79.8% more than without carp. averaged fish-present system significantly 64.4% 92.5%, compared fish-absent Cascading were also observed, snail communities declined under warming, is, grazing pressure less, resulting its biomass. In conclusion, system, decreased swinhoei, both populations, much those Due phenology species species-specific predation, future stronger predation continuous condition might undermine diversity gastropods, thereby changing structures freshwater ecosystems.