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Diet preference reflects the ontogenetic shift in microhabitat use in Lipophrys pholis
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Orientador(es)
Resumo(s)
Based on the heterogenous nature of Lipophrys pholis diet, the stage of the species’ ontogenetic
development when major niche shifts occurred was identified, and the causes that force this
blennid to change its feeding behaviour, vertical distribution and shelter occupation were
considered. The diet analysis of the different size classes consistently showed two clusters,
grouping individuals < or >8 cm total length. This shift occurred simultaneously with the
onset of reproduction; it seemed to be independent of inter- and intraspecific competition and
reflected a quantitative and qualitative alteration of the dietary constituents. The analysis of the
diet of other sympatric intertidal blennids, Lipophrys trigloides and Coryphoblennius galerita,
showed that, apart from the first developmental stages, there seemed to be no important dietary
overlap. The inevitability of this niche alteration could be explained by the combination of at
least two different factors: the development of the scraping capability that enabled the fish to
feed on large benthic prey, together with the limited number of suitable shelters that were
available in rock pools.
Descrição
Palavras-chave
Blenniidae Diet Intertidal Microhabitat Niche shift Reproduction
Contexto Educativo
Citação
Journal of Fish Biology, 67, 102-113