Analysis of factors affecting the strength of trophic cascades in stream communities

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In stream communities fish increase the algal biomass through trophic cascades by preying on algivorous invertebrates. Factors that affect the strength of the trophic cascades were analyzed experimentally. The intensity of trophic cascades was influenced by neither habitat heterogeneity nor disturbance. However, diurnal fish that prey on both aquatic insect's imago on the water surface and the food on the stream bed brought strong trophic cascading effects. These results are useful for stock enhancement of ayu that mainly feed on algae and for controlling the abundance of algae in streams.