Work

Temporal and Ontogenetic Changes in Feeding Ecology of a Characid From Karst Dolines of the Neotropics

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Environmental and biological factors strongly shape fish diets, yet little is known about such influences in flooded Karst Dolines of the Neotropical region. This study examined the diet of Deuterodon luetkenii and assessed its temporal and ontogenetic variation in Lagoa Misteriosa, a karstic lagoon. Fish were sampled bimonthly over 1 year and categorised into two hydrological periods: with algal blooms (WAB) and without algal blooms (AAB). A total of 540 stomachs from four body size classes were analysed, identifying 33 food items. Diet composition varied significantly between periods and among size classes. Filamentous algae and macrophytes were more consumed during the AAB period, while aquatic invertebrates predominated during the WAB period. Niche breadth remained consistent across periods but differed among size classes, indicating ontogenetic dietary shifts. Our findings underscore the ecological role of autochthonous resources and macrophytes in shaping feeding strategies and habitat use in karst ecosystems. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for conservation efforts and for anticipating the potential impacts of environmental changes on trophic interactions within karst environments.

Source: Ecology Of Freshwater Fish

DOI: 10.1111/eff.70018

Authors: Amanda Menegante Caldatto, Rosa Maria Dias, Fernando César Paiva Dagosta, Anderson Ferreira

Institutions: Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados

Language: English

Topic: Fish biology, ecology, and behavior

Subfield: Nature and Landscape Conservation

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150

Funder: Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior