Nutritional Ecology of Orestias, exploring the diet and feeding habits of native killifish to improve the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture in Lake Titicaca

Korte beschrijving

Lake Titicaca, the largest freshwater lake in South America, is a unique high-altitude ecosystem shared between Bolivia and Peru. It supports a diverse aquatic life, including native killifish of the genus Orestias, which are essential to local biodiversity and fisheries. Despite their significance for the ecosystem and local fisheries, our understanding of the trophic interactions and environmental influences on Orestias population remains limited. This research investigates the ecological and nutritional dynamics of Orestias species, focusing on their feeding ecology, diet composition, nutrient profiles, and the influence of habitat conditions. By integrating ecological and nutritional approaches, the research assess the contribution of the local diets of Orestias, including amphipods, molluscs and algae, to the nutritional status of these native killifish. Additionally, the study also evaluates the presence of microplastics in the Lake Titicaca and their potential impact on the trophic web in this ecosystem.