Apex predators play a key role in ecosystem stability across environments but their numbers in general are decreasing. By contrast, European catfish (Silurus glanis), the European freshwater apex predator, is on the increase. However, studies concerning apex predators in freshwaters are scarce in comparison to those in terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The present study combines stomach content and stable isotope analyses with diet preferences of catfish to reveal its impact on the ecosystem since stocking. Catfish niche width is extremely wide in comparison to the typical model predator, Northern pike (Esox lucius). Catfish and pike have different individual dietary specialization that results in different functional roles in coupling or compartmentalizing distinct food webs. The role of both species in the ecosystem is irreplaceable due to multiple predator effects. The impact of catfish is apparent across the entire aquatic ecosystem, but herbivores are the most affected ecological group. The key feature of catfish, and probably a common feature of apex predators in general, is utilization of several dietary strategies by individuals within a population: long-term generalism or specialization and also short-term specialization. Catfish, similar to other large-bodied apex predators, have two typical features: enormous generalism and adaptability to new prey sources.

Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences Institute of Hydrobiology Na Sádkách 7 37005 České Budějovice Czech Republic

Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice Branišovská 31 37005 České Budějovice Czech Republic

Norwegian Institute for Nature Research P O Box 5685 Sluppen NO 7485 Trondheim Norway

University of Jyväskylä Department of Biological and Environmental Science P O Box 35 FI 40014 University of Jyväskylä Jyväskylä Finland

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