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Trophic interactions of fish and squid in the Araçá Bay, São Sebastião (São Paulo, Brazil): a stable isotope approach

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Author(s):
Marinella Coutinho Jacinto Pucci
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Doctoral Thesis
Press: São Paulo.
Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto Oceanográfico (IO/DIDC)
Defense date:
Examining board members:
Lucy Satiko Hashimoto Soares; Míriam Pilz Albrecht; Evanilde Benedito; Patrícia Luciano Mancini; Monica Angelica Varella Petti
Advisor: Lucy Satiko Hashimoto Soares; Thais Navajas Corbisier
Abstract

The trophic interactions of 31 fish species and 2 squid species of the Araçá Bay, São Sebastião (São Paulo, Brazil), were investigated through carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes. The δ13C of the species ranged from -17.2‰ to -12.1‰, and the δ15N, from 10.0‰ to 14.5‰. The δ13C data of the producers and consumers indicated that the species analysed are part of the pelagic and benthic trophic webs, and have phytoplankton, microphytobenthos and organic matter from the sediment as the base of the food web. Higher values of δ13C were registered in the summer, linked to the higher values at the base. The trophic positions of the species varied between 3.18 e 4.72, an indication that they act as secondary and tertiary-quaternary consumers. The diet composition of fish, evaluated trough the isotope mixing model, showed high contribution of prey, such as Polychaeta, Tanaidacea and Ophiuroidea, groups highly abundant in the Bay and the adjacent São Sebastião Channel. The intake of available prey in the intertidal region and in the Channel revealed the importance of the fish and squid as nutrient pathway links, coupling the pelagic-benthic systems and the sublittoral and intertidal regions of the Araçá Bay. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/09937-2 - Trophic interactions from the sublitoral food web of Araçá Bay, São Sebastião (SP): an assessment by the use of stable isotopes
Grantee:Marinella Coutinho Jacinto Pucci
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate