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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Diet and ecomorphology of Leporinus reticulatus (Characiformes: Anostomidae) from the upper Rio Juruena, MT, Brazil: ontogenetic shifts related to the feeding ecology

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Author(s):
Machado-Evangelista, Mariana [1] ; Henriques Esguicero, Andre Luiz [2] ; Arcifa, Marlene Sofia [3] ; Alves Pereira, Thiago Nilton [2]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, Ctr Aquicultura, UNESP, BR-14884900 Jaboticabal, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Ictiol Ribeirao Preto, Dept Biol, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Limnol, Dept Biol, BR-14040901 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: Acta Amazonica; v. 45, n. 4, p. 383-391, DEC 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 6
Abstract

The conservation of diverse and well-distributed fish taxa, as the genus Leporinus, relies intrinsically on the knowledge of the ecological attributes of its representatives. Aiming to increase this knowledge, studies on diet and ecomorphology are ideal to provide important information about species ecology. Thus, this study aimed to analyze aspects of feeding ecology of L. reticulatus, from the upper Rio Juruena, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The diet of specimens in different ontogenetic stages was compared, as well as their teeth morphology and ecomorphological attributes. Leporinus reticulatus presented omnivorous diet, with higher consumption of invertebrates by smaller specimens (younger ones), and gradual introduction of plant items in larger specimens (older ones). The items consumed by the individuals and the ecomorphological attributes indicated that the species is generalist and opportunistic, besides its association with the river bottom, evidencing a benthic feeding behavior. This species presents a gradual ontogenetic modification in teeth shape and mouth positioning, ranging from a terminal mouth with tricuspid teeth, in smaller specimens, to an inferior mouth with spatula shaped teeth with no cusps, in larger specimens.The ecomorphological attributes indicate an increasing swimming efficiency, and ability for performing vertical displacements, along the ontogenetic development, which in addition to the morphological ontogenetic alterations in the buccal apparatus, contributes to a better ability to explore another niches. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 04/09219-6 - Phylogenetic relationships in Characidae (Ostariophysi:Characiforms)
Grantee:Ricardo Macedo Corrêa e Castro
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 09/54931-0 - Improvement and management of biological specimen collections at the Departamento de Biologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo
Grantee:Carlos Alberto Garofalo
Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Biological specimen collections