Relationship between ecomorphology and trophic segregation in four closely related sympatric fish species (Teleostei, Sciaenidae)

ANDREA LOPEZ CAZORLA; JUAN MANUEL MOLINA; GABRIELA ELIZABETH BLASINA; JUAN DIAZ DE ASTARLOA; JUAN MANUEL MOLINA; ANDREA LOPEZ CAZORLA; GABRIELA ELIZABETH BLASINA; JUAN DIAZ DE ASTARLOA

COMPTES RENDUS BIOLOGIES

ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER

Lugar: Paris; Año: 2016 vol. 339 p. 498 - 506

1631-0691

This study explores the relationship between ecomorphology and trophic segregation in four closely related sympatric fish species (Teleostei, Sciaenidae) that are known to differ in their trophic habits. Only adult specimens were analyzed: 103 Cynoscion guatucupa, 77 Pogonias cromis, 61 Micropogonias furnieri, and 48 Menticirrhus americanus. The four species presented divergent ecomorphological traits related to swimming agility, prey spotting and capture, and the potential size of prey they were able to swallow. Results suggest that these sciaenid species can partition the food resources, even though they completely overlap in space. Differences in their ecomorphological traits appear to correlate closely with the diet and consequently could explain the trophic differentiation observed. Arguably, these ecomorphological differences play a significant role in the coexistence of the adults of these sympatric fish species.