δ13C of zooplankton, decapod crustaceans and amphipods from Laguna de Terminos, Campeche (Mexico), with reference to food sources and trophic position

Abstract

Penaeus setiferus, P. duorarum, Xiphopenaeus kroyeri, Callinectes sapidus, Dyspanopeus texanus, Palaemonetes spp., Hippolyte spp. and amphipods were isotopically characterized to identify the food sources they use and their relative trophic position, as well as to establish a relationship between the isotopic data and the isotopic "memory', the isotopic convergence and the complexity of trophic chains. The δ13C values of the animals were compared to those of the submerged vegetation, detritus and sediment of each locality. The range of δ13C values of -7.2 to -24.2‰ indicates that consumers take advantage of sources of organic carbon of a diverse isotopic nature. -from Authors