Feeding habits of the toothed flounder Cyclopsetta querna (Paralichthyidae) of the south-east Gulf of California

2010 ◽  
Vol 91 (6) ◽  
pp. 1225-1230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felipe Amezcua ◽  
Alfonso Portillo ◽  
Felipe Amezcua-Linares
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of California ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Demersal Fish ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
The South ◽  
Top Predators

Feeding habits of the toothed flounder Cyclopsetta querna caught in the south-east Gulf of California were studied. Specimens were collected via demersal fish surveys. Results of this study show that C. querna is a predator that focuses on fish inhabiting the bottom and in particular on tonguefish (Symphurus sp.), midshipman fish (Porichthys sp.) and moray eels (Muraenidae). The diet of the toothed flounder did not vary significantly throughout the period of study, and neither size nor sex-related variations in diet composition were observed. Simpson's index indicates a limited trophic niche breadth with a diet dominated by a limited number of taxa. The estimated TROPH value for C. querna is similar to that estimated for other demersal top predators from the studied area; therefore, the toothed flounder can be considered a top carnivore from the demersal community in the Gulf of California.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the trophic status of Sillago sihama and Sillago arabica at the south of Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 505-510
Author(s):  
Abdul-Razak M. Mohamed ◽  
Abdullah N. Abood
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Trophic Status ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Feeding Activity ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Fish Length ◽  
The South ◽  
Sillago Sihama ◽  
Index Of Relative Importance ◽  
Prey Items

The present study is investigated the diet composition, feeding activity and intensity, and trophic niche breadth of two Sillaginid fish, Sillago sihama and Sillago arabica at the south of the Shatt Al-Arab River, Iraq from May 2019 to April 2020. A total of 511 specimens of fish comprised of 239 S. sihama and 272 S. arabica were used for the study. Fish length ranged from 11.7-23.7 and 13.0- 31.2 cm of the previous species, respectively. The results showed that the feeding activity and intensity influenced by months since the lowest stomach fullness occurred during the winter months. The analysis of diet for both species using the index of relative importance (IRI %) of prey items showed that the species were carnivores. The prey items of S. sihama were crabs (80.8%), shrimp (14.6%) and fish (4.6%), while the diet of S. arabica composed mainly on crabs (54.3%), shrimp (32.7%) and fish (13.0%). The overall values of feeding and vacuity indices were 40.4% and 9.5%, respectively for S. sihama, whereas 52.0% and 18.2%, respectively for S. arabica. Based on the results of trophic niche breadth indicate that S. schema is a high specialist feeder (Bi= 0.23), while S. arabica was considered a non-specialized feeder (Bi= 0.71). The study concludes that both species were carnivorous feeders, feeding mainly on crabs, shrimp and fish. S. sihama was a low specialized feeder, while S. arabica was not specialized.

Diet composition and feeding habits of the pelagic thresher shark Alopias pelagicus in Eastern Central Pacific Ocean, Ecuadorian waters

2020 ◽  
Vol 100 (5) ◽  
pp. 837-845
Author(s):  
Marcos D. Calle-Morán ◽  
Felipe Galván-Magaña
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Maturity Stage ◽  
Dosidicus Gigas ◽  
Central Pacific ◽  
Central Pacific Ocean ◽  
Jumbo Squid ◽  
Top Predators ◽  
Thresher Shark

AbstractThe diet and feeding habits of the pelagic thresher shark Alopias pelagicus were analysed based on 104 stomachs (N = 84 females, 20 males) collected off Santa Rosa de Salinas, in the Ecuadorian Pacific. The sharks were caught between February 2008 and January 2009 in artisanal fisheries. The trophic spectrum of A. pelagicus included 19 prey items (10 cephalopods and 9 teleost fishes), the main four prey were the red flying squid Ommastrephes bartramii, jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas, the purpleback flying squid Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis and the South Pacific hake Merluccius gayi. The trophic niche was narrow (Bi = 0.2), thus the pelagic thresher could be considered a specialist predator. The analysis of dietary overlap showed high similarity between the diets of females and males (Cλ = 0.99), immature and mature females (Cλ = 0.81), immature and mature males (Cλ = 0.72), sizes of 141–230 cm TL and 231–321 cm TL (Cλ = 0.97), as well as sharks in rainy season and dry season (Cλ = 0.77). Using canonical of correspondence analysis (CCA), we found similarities in the diet for all categories recorded (sex: canonical r = 0.38, P = 0.97; sexual maturity stage: canonical r = 0.54, P = 0.31; sizes: canonical r = 0.55, P = 0.26; seasons of the year: canonical r = 0.61, P = 0.75). The trophic level estimated for A. pelagicus was 5.0, which is typical of top predators (quaternary consumers or tertiary carnivores).

scholarly journals Feeding Habits and Trophic Level of the Panama GruntPomadasys panamensis, an Important Bycatch Species from the Shrimp Trawl Fishery in the Gulf of California

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
José A. Rodríguez-Preciado ◽  
Felipe Amezcua ◽  
Brian Bellgraph ◽  
Juan Madrid-Vera
Keyword(s):  
Trophic Level ◽  
Gulf Of California ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Trawl Fishery ◽  
Shrimp Trawl ◽  
Commercially Important

The Panama grunt is an abundant and commercially important species in the southeastern Gulf of California, but the research undertaken on this species is scarce despite its ecological and economic importance. We studied the feeding habits of Panama grunt through stomach content analyses as a first step towards understanding the biology of this species in the study area. Our results indicate that the Panama grunt is a benthic predator throughout its life cycle and feeds mainly on infaunal crustaceans. Diet differences among grunt were not found according to size, diet, or season. Shannon diversity index results indicate that Panama grunt has a limited trophic niche breadth with a diet dominated by a limited number of taxa as crustaceans. The estimated trophic level of this species is 3.59. Overall, the Panama grunt is a carnivorous fish occupying the intermediate levels of the trophic pyramid.

scholarly journals Trophic niche breadth of pond zooplankton species using stable isotope analysis and the relationship with the abiotic and biotic factors

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 180917 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hideyuki Doi ◽  
Kwang-Hyeon Chang ◽  
Shin-ichi Nakano
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Resource Competition ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Zooplankton Biomass ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Zooplankton Species ◽  
Carbon And Nitrogen ◽  
Ecosystem Size ◽  
The Relationship

Zooplankton species have different feeding habits, but the diversity of their food resources and the factors governing them are still largely unknown. We here estimated the differences in the trophic niche breadths of dominant zooplankton species in ponds, using stable isotopes. To understand the differences in trophic niches of different zooplankton species, we measured the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios and calculated the nearest-neighbour distance (NND), and standard deviation of NND (SDNND) of the bi-plot space of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in pond zooplankton. We tested the relationship between the NND/SDNND and environmental factors, as well as the zooplankton biomass, using generalized linear models (GLMs). For cladocerans, including Bosmina, Ceriodaphnia and Daphnia, the NNDs were significantly correlated with the biomass, pond morphology (volume and depth), total phosphorous (TP) and fish presence. For copepod species, including Eodiaptomus and cyclopoids, NNDs were significantly correlated with pond morphology, TP and fish presence, but not with biomass. In GLMs of SDNND, significant correlated factors were less than those for NND, and for some species, pond morphology and TP were significantly correlated with SDNND. Here, we found that the NND and SDNND of zooplankton species were related to various factors, including their biomass, predator presence, pond size and water quality. For cladocerans, biomass may be supported by trophic niche breadth, probably because of the consequences of resource competition. Also, predation and ecosystem size may influence trophic niche breadth due to changes in zooplankton behaviours.

Trophic ecology of the chihuil sea catfish (Bagre panamensis) in the south-east Gulf of California, México

2017 ◽  
Vol 98 (4) ◽  
pp. 885-893 ◽  
Author(s):  
Víctor M. Muro-Torres ◽  
Felipe Amezcua ◽  
Raul E. Lara-Mendoza ◽  
John T. Buszkiewicz ◽  
Felipe Amezcua-Linares
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of California ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Trophic Position ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Demersal Fish ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
High Plasticity ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Ecosystem Based Fisheries Management

The trophic ecology of the chihuil sea catfish Bagre panamensis was studied through high-resolution variations in its feeding habits and trophic position (TP) in the SE Gulf of California, relevant to sex, size and season. The combined use of stomach content (SCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA) allowed us to perform these analyses and also estimate the TP of its preys. Results of this study show that the chihuil sea catfish is a generalist and opportunistic omnivore predator that consumes primarily demersal fish and peneid shrimps. Its diet did not vary with climatic season (rainy or dry), size or sex. Results from the SIA indicated high plasticity in habitat use and prey species. The estimated TP value was 4.19, which indicates a tertiary consumer from the soft bottom demersal community in the SE Gulf of California, preying on lower trophic levels, which aids in understanding the species' trophic role in the food web. Because this species and its prey are important to artisanal and industrial fisheries in the Gulf of California, diet assimilation information is useful for the potential establishment of an ecosystem-based fisheries management in the area.

scholarly journals Feeding habits and microhabitat utilization by two syntopic Brazilian Amazonian frogs (Hyla minuta and Pseudopaludicula sp. (gr. falcipes)

1998 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 559-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. VAN SLUYS ◽  
C. F. D. ROCHA
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Feeding Niche ◽  
Frog Species

We studied the feeding habits and microhabitat use of the Amazonian frogs Hyla minuta and Pseudopaludicula sp. at Serra Norte, Carajás, Brazil. Although living syntopically, the two species differed markedly in both prey types and sizes. Standardized feeding niche breadth of H. minuta (Bst = 0.572) was larger than that of Pseudopaludicula sp. (Bst = 0.149) and their feeding niche overlap was considerably low (10.5%). The two frog species also differed in microhabitat use. When active, Pseudopaludicula sp. were found partially submerged at the lake border whereas H. minuta were found predominantly on Nymphaea sp. leaves. Although we have not evaluated taxonomic effects on diet composition, differences in diet may be partially explained by differences in microhabitat use and frogs' size.

scholarly journals Feeding habits of the spotted rose snapper, Lutjanus guttatus, (Actinopterygii, Perciformes, Lutjanidae), in the central Gulf of California, BCS, Mexico

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-105
Author(s):  
Filius L. Valle-Lopez ◽  
Xchel G. Moreno-Sánchez ◽  
Marina S. Irigoyen-Arredondo ◽  
Leonardo A. Abitia-Cárdenas ◽  
Emigdio Marín-Enríquez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of California ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Feeding Strategy ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Trophic Plasticity ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Management Measures ◽  
Reported Study ◽  
Santa Rosalia

The spotted rose snapper, Lutjanus guttatus (Steindachner, 1869), is an important resource for the coastal fisheries of the Gulf of California, mainly due to its high commercial value. Despite this, there are no management measures for this species, owing in part to a lack of information on its basic biology and its trophic ecology in the area. In this context, the presently reported study had as objective to describe the feeding habits of L. guttatus through stomach content analyses, as well as to describe possible changes linked to sex, size, and season. Specimens were caught monthly from June 2016 to September 2017 with gillnets in Santa Rosalía, BCS, Mexico. The abundance, weight, and frequency of occurrence of each prey were assessed, and these parameters were integrated into the index of relative importance (%IRI) to determine the importance of each prey item in the L. guttatus diet. The Levin’s index was used to assess the trophic niche width of the species, the feeding strategy was evaluated using Costello’s graphic method and the trophic level was calculated. Finally, to establish whether there were significant differences in the diet by sex, size, or season a PERMANOVA test was used with a 95% confidence level. A total of 202 L. guttatus stomachs were analyzed, 191 of which contained food. A total of 26 prey items were identified. According to the %IRI, the most important prey were the teleost fishes Harengula thrissina (Jordan et Gilbert, 1882) (45.7%) and Sardinops sagax (Jenyns, 1842) (34.8%), the euphausiid Nyctiphanes simplex (13.4%), and the crustacean Penaeus spp. (5.6%). The PERMANOVA analysis resulted in significant differences between the analyzed categories; however, there were no significant differences in the interactions among the categories. According to Levin’s index, L. guttatus had a narrow trophic width, with changes in the main prey consumed by the different categories. According to our results, L. guttatus can be considered a benthopelagic opportunistic carnivorous predator with a narrow trophic niche, presenting mostly quantitative variations in its diet according to sex, size, and season. Its trophic plasticity allows it to take advantage of the most available and abundant food resources.

scholarly journals Diet and trophic niche overlap of Boana bischoffi and Boana marginata (Anura: Hylidae) in southern Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila F. Moser ◽  
Mateus de Oliveira ◽  
Fernanda R. de Avila ◽  
Diogo Dutra-Araújo ◽  
Renata K. Farina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Natural History ◽  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Diet Composition ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Food Composition ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
History Of

Abstract: The species Boana bischoffi and Boana marginata are endemic to the Atlantic Forest, where they often occur in sympatry. There is a large gap in the knowledge of natural history of both species. In this study, we aimed to describe and compare the diet composition of B. bischoffi and B. marginata in the southern domain of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We analyzed the gastrointestinal contents of 43 individuals of B. bischoffi and 30 individuals of B. marginata. Both showed a high trophic niche overlap (0.90 Ojk). The most important prey categories for both species belonged to the orders Araneae and Coleoptera. The species niche breadth (Bsta) varied from 0.35 to 0.42, suggesting a generalist feeding behavior for both species. Our data provide unprecedented information on these species' food composition, contributing to a better knowledge of the natural history of neotropical anurans.

A historical perspective of niche differentiation between two top predators in the Uruguayan coastal area

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florencia Artecona ◽  
Maite De María ◽  
Leandro Bergamino ◽  
Diana Szteren
Keyword(s):  
Marine Mammals ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Niche Differentiation ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Isotopic Niche ◽  
Recent Period ◽  
The South ◽  
Coastal Habitat ◽  
Top Predators

Context As top predators, marine mammals play a key role consuming in different trophic levels and the trophic niche characterization may help to understand how species utilize and share resources . On the coast of the Río de la Plata and the South-west Atlantic, the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) and the franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) are two important predators. Aims The present study investigated potential trophic overlap of both species by measuring stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotopes over two periods: historical (1959–79) and recent (2002–15) on the Uruguayan coast. Methods Bone samples of P. blainvillei and O. flavescens were used to determine the isotopic niche using the Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses in R (SIBER) analysis. Key results The isotopic niche did not overlap between species in any period. δ15N was higher in O. flavescens in both periods (20.29‰±0.73 in the historical and 19.95‰±1.0 in the recent period), indicating that it feeds at a higher trophic level than P. blainvillei. The δ13C was also significantly higher in O. flavescens than in P. blainvillei during the two periods (O. flavescens: –11.43±0.6‰ historic, –12.72±0.4‰ recent, and P. blainvillei: –12.69±1.1‰ historic, –13.84±1.3‰ recent). The isotopic niche areas of P. blainvillei in recent and historic periods confirmed they forage in 2 distinct environments, marine and estuarine, with low isotopic overlap. This overlap was higher in the recent period. Conclusions and Implications O. flavescens and both P. blainvillei groups were segregated in both periods, with a higher overlap in the recent. These species appear to reduce competition by using different resources in the same coastal habitat. O. flavescens preferentially feeds on benthic fish and showed wider trophic amplitude in both periods, whereas P. blainvillei has a more coastal–pelagic diet and included a greater variability of resources in its diet. The differences between species trophic niches can still be detected after both marine mammals species abundance has declined and after the development of fisheries.

scholarly journals Same Diet, Different Strategies: Variability of Individual Feeding Habits across Three Populations of Ambrosi’s Cave Salamander (Hydromantes ambrosii)

Diversity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 180
Author(s):  
Enrico Lunghi ◽  
Fabio Cianferoni ◽  
Filippo Ceccolini ◽  
Yahui Zhao ◽  
Raoul Manenti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diet Composition ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Trophic Dynamics ◽  
Extrinsic Factors ◽  
Surrounding Environment ◽  
New Information ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
Different Populations

European cave salamanders of the genus Hydromantes are a group of eight species endemic to Italy and south-eastern France. Knowledge on the trophic niche of European Hydromantes is poor, and the few available studies only partially investigate their feeding habits. We performed an in-depth study on the trophic niche of the Ambrosi’s cave salamander (H. ambrosii), assessing the potential divergences among three different populations. All the populations had a similar diet composition, showing a wider trophic niche in fall compared to spring. In only one population, “true specialists” were present; however, in all three populations, generalist individuals always represented the larger proportion. Interspecific and intraspecific competition did not play an important role in determining individual dietary specialisation in H. ambrosii; contrarily, the characteristics of the surrounding environment seemed to be an important factor. The best body conditions were observed in the population located in the site where the non-arboreal vegetation cover was the highest. Besides providing new information on the trophic niche of H. ambrosii, we here showed that studies encompassing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors at the population level are needed to fully understand the trophic dynamics occurring among European cave salamanders.

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