Stable isotope analyses differentiate between different trophic pathways supporting rocky-reef fishes

Abstract

Stable isotope analyses of Decapterus punctatus, Diplodus holbrooki, Rhomboplites aurorubens, Pagrus pagrus and Haemulon aurolineatum were conducted. Analyses of δ13C, δ15N, and δ34S from white swimming muscle yielded significant differences between species. At least two trophic pathways, one planktonic and one benthic, supported these species. Variability of isotopic signatures within species was largely a result of collection site differences. δ13C and δ15N values indicated that all fishes were feeding at similar trophic levels. -from Authors