Trophic niches and diet shifts of juvenile mullet species coexisting in marine and estuarine habitats

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Sabrina Radunz Vollrath ◽  
Bianca Possamai ◽  
Fabiana Schneck ◽  
David Joseph Hoeinghaus ◽  
Edélti Faria Albertoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surf Zone ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Marine Area ◽  
Coexisting Species ◽  
Food Partitioning ◽  
Trophic Shifts ◽  
Diet Shifts ◽  
Trophic Niches

Abstract Food partitioning among coexisting species is often considered advantageous to minimize niche overlap and avoid inter-specific competition. Congeneric fish species such as the mullets Mugil curema and Mugil liza, which co-occur across marine and estuarine habitats, are good models to evaluate resource use and niche overlap or partitioning. We used stomach contents (SCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA) to assess potential trophic shifts and changes in niche overlap associated with the mullets transitioning from marine to estuarine habitats. SIA included different fractions of organic matter in suspension and in the sediment to estimate the contribution of micro, nano and pico-organisms to the mullets’ diets. We hypothesized higher resource partitioning in the less resource-diverse system (marine surf-zone) than in the more diverse one (estuary). SCA showed diet differences between M. curema and M. liza according to the habitat. They showed distinct diets in the marine area (P < 0.001), but similar diets in the estuary (P = 0.226). A lower niche breadth was observed for both species in the marine area (M. curema = 0.03, M. liza = 0.06) compared with the estuary (M. curema = 0.14, M. liza = 0.16). Isotopic niches of both species were higher in the estuary (64.7%) compared with the marine area (0.7%). These findings corroborated our hypothesis of higher food partitioning in the marine surf-zone. We also demonstrated using SIA the shift from planktonic to benthic feeding following the recruitment of the mullets from the surf-zone into the estuary.

Isotopic niche of two coastal dolphins in a tropical marine area: specific and age class comparisons

2015 ◽  
Vol 96 (4) ◽  
pp. 853-858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Paula Madeira Di Beneditto ◽  
Leandro Rabello Monteiro
Keyword(s):  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Niche Differentiation ◽  
Trophic Levels ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Isotopic Niche ◽  
Marine Area ◽  
Age Class ◽  
Niche Metrics ◽  
Pontoporia Blainvillei

Niche differentiation is the process by which species evolve different forms of resource use, and is used to explain the co-occurrence in a variety of habitats. The Bayesian framework of isotopic niche through quantitative niche metrics was applied to estimate and compare the niche breadth of two sympatric coastal dolphinsPontoporia blainvilleiandSotalia guianensisin a tropical marine area. The standard ellipse areas (SEAs) based on species were quite similar, but the SEAs based on age class showed that the matures’ niche space is larger than the immatures’ for both dolphins. A probabilistic comparison of SEAs indicated that specific differences are negligible compared with age class differences. Trophic level measures (δ15N range) indicated that the dolphins are comparable as top predators, and that immature specimens have a lower range of trophic levels than mature ones. In terms of variability of food sources (δ13C range),S. guianensisshowed a larger value thanP. blainvilleiand mature specimens had larger δ13C range than immatures for both species. In general,P. blainvilleiandS. guianensiswere similar in the niche metrics, with SEAs overlap of 52.1 and 39.7%. The immature specimens showed reduced isotopic niche overlap between species (<3%). In conclusion,Pontoporia blainvilleiandS. guianensisspecimens have similar isotopic niches, but pronounced differences between immature and mature specimens, both intraspecific and interspecific. Isotopic niche and quantitative metrics along with previous data on stomach contents provide a strong representation of species niche and their relationships.

scholarly journals Estimation of the feeding record of pregnant Antarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) using carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of baleen plates

Polar Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 621-629
Author(s):  
Mayuka Uchida ◽  
Ippei Suzuki ◽  
Keizo Ito ◽  
Mayumi Ishizuka ◽  
Yoshinori Ikenaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Antarctic Krill ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Annual Growth Rate ◽  
Pleuragramma Antarcticum ◽  
Minke Whales ◽  
Balaenoptera Bonaerensis ◽  
The Antarctic

AbstractAntarctic minke whales (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) are migratory capital breeders that experience intensive summer feeding on Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) in the Southern Ocean and winter breeding at lower latitudes, but their prey outside of the Antarctic is unknown. Stable isotope analyses were conducted on δ13C and δ15N from the baleen plates of ten pregnant Antarctic minke whales to understand the growth rate of the baleen plate and their diet in lower latitudes. Two to three oscillations along the length of the edge of the baleen plate were observed in δ15N, and the annual growth rate was estimated to be 75.2 ± 20.4 mm, with a small amplitude (0.97 ± 0.21 ‰). Bayesian stable isotope mixing models were used to understand the dominant prey that contributed to the isotopic component of the baleen plate using Antarctic krill from the stomach contents and reported values of Antarctic coastal krill (Euphausia crystallorophias), Antarctic silver fish (Pleuragramma antarcticum), Australian krill spp., and Australian pelagic fish spp.. The models showed that the diet composition of the most recent three records from the base of the baleen plates (model 1) and the highest δ15N values in each baleen plate (model 2) were predominantly Antarctic krill, with a contribution rate of approximately 80%. The rates were approximately 10% for Antarctic coastal krill and less than 2.0% for the two Australian prey groups in both models. These results suggest that pregnant Antarctic minke whales did not feed on enough prey outside of the Antarctic to change the stable isotope values in their baleen plates.

NEST SITE SELECTION BY BUMBLE BEES (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE) IN SOUTHERN ALBERTA

1978 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 301-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. W. Richards
Keyword(s):  
Site Selection ◽  
Nest Site ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Bumble Bees ◽  
Social Parasites ◽  
Southern Alberta ◽  
Nesting Sites ◽  
Coexisting Species ◽  
Nesting Preferences

AbstractThe niche breadth and overlap in nesting preferences of 15 species of bumble bees were investigated in Alberta. Some of the factors that influence the distribution of nesting sites and abundance of species and permit the species to coexist in sympatry are discussed. Artificial domiciles were used as potential nesting sites. Some species were specialists in terms of nest site selection while others were generalists. The few natural nests found, the long periods spent by queens searching for nests, the high frequency of usurpation or direct interference and death of intruders, and the frequency of high niche overlap values between species are evidence that nesting sites are limited and are incompletely partitioned among the coexisting species. Usurpation also demonstrates the competition among individuals and species. Phenological differences in nest establishment influence the competition among the species. Camouflaging of tunnels presumably reduces the intensity of usurpation and protects queens and the brood from inclement weather and from social parasites (e.g., Psithyrus) and predators.

scholarly journals Trophic ecology of sea urchins in coral-rocky reef systems, Ecuador

PeerJ ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. e1578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Cabanillas-Terán ◽  
Peggy Loor-Andrade ◽  
Ruber Rodríguez-Barreras ◽  
Jorge Cortés
Keyword(s):  
Stable Isotope ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Habitat Degradation ◽  
Sea Urchins ◽  
Relative Proportion ◽  
Isotope Analysis ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Trophic Niche ◽  
Rocky Reef ◽  
Trophic Overlap

Sea urchins are important grazers and influence reef development in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP).Diadema mexicanumandEucidaris thouarsiiare the most important sea urchins on the Ecuadorian coastal reefs. This study provided a trophic scenario for these two species of echinoids in the coral-rocky reef bottoms of the Ecuadorian coast, using stable isotopes. We evaluated the relative proportion of algal resources assimilated, and trophic niche of the two sea urchins in the most southern coral-rocky reefs of the ETP in two sites with different disturbance level. Bayesian models were used to estimate the contribution of algal sources, niche breadth, and trophic overlap between the two species. The sea urchins behaved as opportunistic feeders, although they showed differential resource assimilation.Eucidaris thouarsiiis the dominant species in disturbed environments; likewise, their niche amplitude was broader than that ofD. mexicanumwhen conditions were not optimal. However, there was no niche overlap between the species. The Stable Isotope Analysis in R (SIAR) indicated that both sea urchins shared limiting resources in the disturbed area, mainlyDictyotaspp. (contributions of up to 85% forD. mexicanumand up to 75% forE. thouarsii). The Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses in R (SIBER) analysis results indicated less interspecific competition in the undisturbed site. Our results suggested a trophic niche partitioning between sympatric sea urchin species in coastal areas of the ETP, but the limitation of resources could lead to trophic overlap and stronger habitat degradation.

scholarly journals Resource partitioning and ecomorphological variation in two syntopic species of Lebiasinidae (Characiformes) in an Amazonian stream

2016 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathália Carina dos Santos SILVA ◽  
Aluízio José Lopes da COSTA ◽  
José LOUVISE ◽  
Bruno Eleres SOARES ◽  
Vanessa Cristine e Souza REIS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Resource Partitioning ◽  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Species Coexistence ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Relative Length ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
The Body ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
Relative Depth ◽  
Feeding Niche

ABSTRACTResource partitioning is important for species coexistence. Species with similar ecomorphology are potential competitors, especially when phylogenetically close, due to niche conservatism. The aim of this study was to investigate the resource partitioning among populations of two species of lebiasinids (Copella nigrofasciata and Pyrrhulina aff. brevis) that co-occur in a first-order Amazonian stream, analyzing the trophic ecology, feeding strategies and ecomorphological attributes related to the use of food and space by these species. Fish were captured in May and September 2010. The stomach contents of 60 individuals were analyzed and quantified volumetrically to characterize the feeding ecology of both species. Eleven morphological attributes were measured in 20 specimens and combined in nine ecomorphological indices. Both species had an omnivorous-invertivorous diet and consumed predominantly allochthonous items. Both showed a tendency to a generalist diet, but intrapopulational variation in resource use was also detected. Overall feeding niche overlap was high, but differed between seasons: low during the rainy season and high in the dry season. In the latter, the food niche overlap was asymmetric because C. nigrofasciata consumed several prey of P. aff. brevis, which reduced its food spectrum. The ecomorphological analysis suggests that C. nigrofasciatahas greater swimming capacity (greater relative length of caudal peduncle) than P. aff. brevis, which has greater maneuverability and tendency to inhabit lentic environments (greater relative depth of the body). Our results demonstrate that these species have similar trophic ecology and suggest a spatial segregation, given by morphological differences related to locomotion and occupation of habitat, favoring their coexistence.

scholarly journals Effect of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plantations on individual-level diet variation of Hylaeamys megacephalus (G. Fisher 1814) (Rodentia, Cricetidae) in eastern Amazon Forest

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simone Almeida Pena ◽  
Ana Cristina Mendes-Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Palm Oil ◽  
Oil Palm ◽  
Elaeis Guineensis ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Palm Tree ◽  
Amazon Forest ◽  
Tree Plantation ◽  
Forest Environment ◽  
Oil Palm Plantation

Abstract: In this study we described the diet of Hylaeamys megacephalus (G. Fisher, 1814) and investigated the degree of individual variation in the diet of this species among the Amazon Forest and the oil palm plantation. We analyzed the stomach contents of 36 individuals, of whom 11 were collected in the forest and 25 captured in the palm oil palm plantation. The H. megacephalus diet consisted of 18 food items, of which 12 were animal composition and eight were vegetable composition. The niche amplitude of the species was narrower in the forest area (Baforest = 0.013) compared to the palm tree plantation area (Bapalm = 0.478). This shows that individuals have greater niche overlap in forest areas, while in the plantation areas the animals expand their food niche. In addition, the values of the mean of the individual diet in relation to the diet of the entire population were lower in the palm oil palm plantation environment (ISpalm = 0.164) than in the Forest environment (ISforest = 0.357), indicating a high specialization in the palm oil plantation. These results indicate a population mechanism to reduce intraspecific competition in response to scarce resources.

scholarly journals Resource use by two electric fishes (Gymnotiformes) of the National Forest Saracá-Taquera, Oriximiná, Pará

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno E. Soares ◽  
Daniela C. O. Rosa ◽  
Nathália C. S. Silva ◽  
Miriam P. Albrecht ◽  
Érica P. Caramaschi
Keyword(s):  
Resource Use ◽  
Niche Breadth ◽  
Feeding Strategy ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Niche Overlap ◽  
Feeding Strategies ◽  
National Forest ◽  
Microhabitat Use ◽  
Use Patterns ◽  
Head Morphology

ABSTRACT Fishes of the order Gymnotiformes have high diversity of oral and head morphology, which suggests trophic specializations within each clade. The aim of this study was to describe resource use patterns by two fish species (Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni and Gymnotus coropinae) in the National Forest Saracá-Taquera, Oriximiná - Pará, analyzing microhabitat use, diet composition, feeding strategies, niche breadth and niche overlap. Stomach contents of 101 individuals (41 G. rondoni and 60 G. coropinae), sampled in 23 headwater streams were analyzed and volume of food items was quantified to characterize their feeding ecology. Gymnorhamphichthys rondoni was captured mainly on sandy bottoms, whereas G. coropinae in crevices. Both species had a zoobenthivorous diet and consumed predominantly Sediment/Detritus and Diptera larvae, but also included allochthonous prey in their diet. These species had high niche overlap, with small variations related to the higher consumption of Ceratopogonidae larvae by G. rondoni and of Chironomidae larvae by G. coropinae. Both species had a generalist feeding strategy, but G. coropinae had a broader niche breadth. Our results demonstrate that G. rondoni and G. coropinae occupy different microhabitats but rely on similar food resources.

Feeding habits of the velvet belly lanternshark Etmopterus spinax (Chondrichthyes: Etmopteridae) off the Algarve, southern Portugal

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (4) ◽  
pp. 835-841 ◽  
Author(s):  
João Neiva ◽  
Rui Coelho ◽  
Karim Erzini
Keyword(s):  
Deep Water ◽  
Foraging Behaviour ◽  
Prey Size ◽  
Feeding Habits ◽  
Feeding Strategy ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Prey Composition ◽  
Southern Portugal ◽  
Meganyctiphanes Norvegica ◽  
Diet Shifts

Etmopterus spinax is one of the most abundant predators of the upper continental slope off the Algarve (southern Portugal), where it is captured in large quantities in deep-water fisheries. The feeding habits of E. spinax off the Algarve were investigated through the analysis of stomach contents of 376 individuals. Prey composition was described and maturity, sex and size related variations in the diet analysed. The overall diet of E. spinax suggested a fairly generalized benthopelagic foraging behaviour primarily tuned to pelagic macroplankton/microneckton, teleost fish and cephalopods. Sex and maturity related differences in the diet were not significant. Two main ontogenic diet shifts were observed at about 17 and 28 cm total length. Small and medium sized immature sharks had a diet dominated by eurybathic crustaceans, chiefly Meganyctiphanes norvegica and Pasiphaea sivado. Larger individuals consumed more teleosts and cephalopods, in part associated with scavenging as a new feeding strategy. With increasing shark size the diet diversified both in terms of resources exploited and prey size.

Diet, feeding behaviour and habitat utilisation of the blue stingray Dasyatis chrysonota (Smith, 1828) in South African waters

2003 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 957 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A. Ebert ◽  
Paul D. Cowley
Keyword(s):  
Surf Zone ◽  
Stomach Contents ◽  
Size Class ◽  
Behaviour Pattern ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Secondary Importance ◽  
Size Classes ◽  
Important Prey ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Large Size Class

Analysis of stomach contents for Dasyatis chrysonota revealed that diet varied with size and habitat. The diet of all size classes in the surf zone was comprised primarily of Callianassa spp., Donax spp. and unidentified polychaete species. The medium and large size classes fed primarily on Donax spp., whereas the very large size class fed mainly on Callianassa spp. Polychaetes were of secondary importance as prey for the medium size class. The diet of D. chrysonota in the nearshore zone consisted mainly of Balanoglossus capensis and Callianassa spp. Balanoglossus capensis decreased from an index of relative importance (IRI) of 75.3% for the medium size class to 59.9% for the very large size class, whereas Callianassa spp. increased from 22.8% to 39.4% between the medium and the very large size classes. The offshore zone was the only area in which small size class D. chrysonota were caught. The diet of these small D. chrysonota was primarily polychaetes and amphipods. Polychaetes increased in importance in the medium size class, but declined in each successively larger size class. Conversely, Pterygosquilla armata capensis became the single most important prey item for the very large size class, comprising an IRI of 50.9%. The behaviour pattern used by D. chrysonota to locate and extract prey is described.

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