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Stable isotope ratios indicate differential omnivory among syntopic rocky shore suspension-feeders

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Abstract

We utilised stable isotope ratios to assess differences in diet among three indigenous and syntopic rocky shore suspension-feeders (mussels Perna perna, barnacles Tetraclita serrata, and polychaetes Gunnarea gaimardi). We also determined the spatial and temporal variability in the suspension-feeder diets by collecting specimens on two occasions from two regions adjacent to hydrologically distinct river mouths (i.e. one with larger annual freshwater throughput than the other). The results showed that the isotopic niches (used as proxies for trophic niches) of the three species did not overlap and that the barnacles occupied a trophic position (3.4) well above those of the mussels (2) and polychaetes (2.6). We ascribed the interspecific differences primarily to the disparate feeding mechanisms used by the species. Large-scale regional (~50 km) differences in suspension-feeder diets were apparent, but not small-scale (up to a few km north and south of each estuary mouth). The regional differences in diet resulted from the increased availability of estuarine-origin suspended particulate matter (SPM) and zooplankton in the region adjacent to the river with relatively larger freshwater output, although overall incorporation of zooplankton versus mixed SPM into consumer diets was relatively consistent between regions and through time. Temporal shifts in suspension-feeder diets were apparent from stable carbon isotope ratios in the consumers. Our results showcase the measurable effects of regional-scale processes that can alter the food sources for dominant primary consumers in the rocky intertidal, thus potentially affecting entire food webs through bottom-up processes. The clear evidence for trophic niche partitioning offers valuable insights into how potentially strong competitors can coexist.

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Acknowledgments

We thank S. Dyaloyi for assistance in the field. This research was funded by the National Research Foundation of South Africa and Rhodes University, with bursary funding to I.V. provided by the Andrew Mellon Foundation, the Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst, and the Ernest and Ethel Eriksen Trust. Stable isotope processing was completed at the Stable Light Isotope Laboratory at the University of Cape Town (Archaeology Department).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, P.O. Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa

    Nicole B. Richoux, Ilke Vermeulen & P. William Froneman

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  1. Nicole B. Richoux
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  2. Ilke Vermeulen
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  3. P. William Froneman
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Correspondence to Nicole B. Richoux.

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Communicated by M. G. Chapman.

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Richoux, N.B., Vermeulen, I. & Froneman, P.W. Stable isotope ratios indicate differential omnivory among syntopic rocky shore suspension-feeders. Mar Biol 161, 971–984 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-013-2358-6

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