Impacts of the invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) on benthic invertebrate fauna: a case study from the Baltic Sea

The round goby ( Neogobius melanostomus ) was first observed in the Baltic Sea 1990 and has since displayed substantial secondary dispersal, establishing numerous dense populations where they may outcompete native fish negatively impact prey species. There have been multiple diet studies from both North American Great Lakes are similarly invasive. However, that quantify their effects on recipient ecosystems and, specifically, impacts benthic invertebrate macrofauna rare, particularly European waters. In this study, we conducted before-after study of potential taxa marine-brackish habitats Europe, focusing two sites Western Sea, Denmark. Results were line with those Lakes, indicating negative specific molluscan (e.g. Cardiidae bivalves Neritidae gastropods, which showed a fall detected densities approximately 98% within Guldborgsund Strait). contrast, many other groups appeared to be largely unaffected or even show positive trends following invasion. Round gut content data available at one our period immediately after These confirmed had fact preying subset displaying trends.