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Stable isotope analysis indicates a lack of inter- and intra-specific dietary redundancy among ecologically important coral reef fishes

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Abstract

Parrotfish are critical consumers on coral reefs, mediating the balance between algae and corals, and are often categorised into three functional groups based on adult morphology and feeding behaviour. We used stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N) to investigate size-related ontogenetic dietary changes in multiple species of parrotfish on coral reefs around Zanzibar. We compared signatures among species and functional groups (scrapers, excavators and browsers) as well as ontogenetic stages (immature, initial and terminal phase) within species. Stable isotope analysis suggests that ontogenetic dietary shifts occurred in seven of the nine species examined; larger individuals had enriched δ13C values, with no relationship between size and δ15N. The relationship between fish length and δ13C signature was maintained when species were categorised as scrapers and excavators, but was more pronounced for scrapers than excavators, indicating stronger ontogenetic changes. Isotopic mixing models classified the initial phase of both the most abundant excavator (Chlorurus sordidus) as a scraper and the immature stage of the scraper Scarus ghobban (the largest species) as an excavator, indicating that diet relates to size rather than taxonomy. The results indicate that parrotfish may show similar intra-group changes in diet with length, but that their trophic ecology is more complex than suggested by morphology alone. Stable isotope analyses indicate that feeding ecology may differ among species within functional groups, and according to ontogenetic stage within a species.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the staff at the IMS, Zanzibar, for the use of their facilities and the granting of permits. In particular, we thank I. K. Ramadhan and N. S. Jiddawi for help with fieldwork and logistics. This study was approved by the ethics committee of the Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, permit number ZOOL-12-2010, and through the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, permit number ZRP/98. Research was funded through the South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Technology and the National Research Foundation. Finally, we would like to acknowledge the useful comments and patient assistance of two anonymous referees.

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  1. J. G. Plass-Johnson

    Present address: Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Ecology, Fahrenheitstraße 6, 28359, Bremen, Germany

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  1. Coastal Research Group, Zoology and Entomology Department, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa

    J. G. Plass-Johnson, C. D. McQuaid & J. M. Hill

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  1. J. G. Plass-Johnson
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Plass-Johnson, J.G., McQuaid, C.D. & Hill, J.M. Stable isotope analysis indicates a lack of inter- and intra-specific dietary redundancy among ecologically important coral reef fishes. Coral Reefs 32, 429–440 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-012-0988-7

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