Trophic status and feeding selectivity of blennies (Blenniidae: Salariini)

Wilson, S.K. (2000) Trophic status and feeding selectivity of blennies (Blenniidae: Salariini). Marine Biology, 136 (3). pp. 431-437.

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Abstract

An evaluation of the dietary resources available to, and selected by, blennies of the tribe Salariini was used to assess their trophic status on the Great Barrier Reef. Gut-content analysis of nine species of blennies found detrital aggregates to be the dominant item ingested. Samples of the dietary resources available to one of these species, Salarias patzneri, were compared biochemically. Of the two main dietary categories (detrital aggregates and filamentous algae), detrital aggregates were the major resource available, accounting for 53 ± 4.6% (SE) of the organic matter present. The mean C:N values for detrital aggregates (17.2 ± 0.8) and filamentous algae (20.0 ± 1.8) were very similar, as were protein concentrations (1.8 ± 0.1 and 2.1 ± 0.1 μg mg−1, respectively). However, mean carbohydrate concentrations were much lower in the aggregates than the filamentous algae (19 ± 2 and 76 ± 13 μg mg−1, respectively). Comparison of the inorganic particles ingested to those available indicated that S. patzneri selectively fed on particles <125 μm, (predominantly detrital aggregates) and avoided particles >250 μm, (predominantly algal filaments). The patterns of resource availability, nutritional quality and selectivity suggest that salariin blennies utilise detrital aggregates as their primary dietary resource.

Item ID: 12937
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1432-1793
Keywords: blennies; feeding selectivity; Great Barrier Reef; gut-content analysis; herbivorous fishes; trophic status
Date Deposited: 28 Jun 2012 06:55
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0602 Ecology > 060205 Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl Marine Ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9608 Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity > 960802 Coastal and Estuarine Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity @ 100%
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