Comparison of aggressive interactions in Orconectes propinquus: experienced vs. naive.

Abstract

The introduction of non-native species can lead to the competitive exclusion for the native species. The effects of aggressive interactions of Orconectes rusticus was tested on O. propinquus. Naive individuals of O. propinquus, not previously exposed to O. rusticus, and experienced O. propinquus were observed in competitive interactions with O. rusticus. Naive O. propinquus were collected from the Maple River, Cheboygan County, Michigan; experienced O. propinquus was collected from Douglas Lake, Cheboygan County, Michigan; and a population of O. rusticus was collected from Burt Lake, Cheboygan County, Michigan. The results showed that there was not a difference in aggressiveness between naive O. propinquus and experienced O. propinquus (p>0.05). Naive O. propinquus were more aggressive when placed with O. rusticus than experienced O. propinquus (p<0.05). A decrease in aggressiuveness due to learning may aid in the reduction of O. propinquus from local lakes.