What can stable isotopes studies tell us about early trophic pathways of top predator larvae: Case study of bullet tuna larvae
Year: 2014
Type: article
Abstract: Naturally occurring stable isotopes are commonly used to elucidate the origins of organic matter and food web complexity within marine communities.Given the utility of these natural dietary tracers, few studies have attempted to use stable isotopes to examine the early life feeding ecology of pelagic fishes in offshore marine ecosystems (Bode et al, 2007;Pepin and Dower, 2007).Food web tracers, such as the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen (δ 13 C and δ 15 N) were used to determine the extent to which fish larvae rely on different components of the ecosystem.Stable nitrogen isotopes becomes enriched at successive trophic levels, resulting from the greater concentration of the light isotope ( 14 N) than the heavy isotope, leaving the animal enriched in 15 N relative to its food source.Stable carbon isotopes can indicate feeding and carbon flow because there is limited fractionation from prey to predator, and different energy sources provide distinctive δ 13 C values.The Balearic Sea (NW Mediterranean) is characterized by the encounter of waters masses
Authors: García-García, Alberto, Laiz-Carrión, Raúl, Quintanilla-Hervás, José María, Torres, Asvin Pérez, Alemany, Francisco
Language: English
Topic: Isotope Analysis in Ecology
Subfield: Ecology
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
SDG: Life below water
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7053438310