An energy-based analysis of particulate-feeding and filter-feeding by blue tilapia, Tilapia aurea

Abstract

Adult blue tilapia, Tilapia aurea, employ filter-feeding as their primary feeding method, but feed as visual, particulate-feeding zooplanktivores as juveniles. We used measurements of oxygen utilization in enclosed chambers to assess filter-feeding energy costs, and videotaped observations of particulate-feeding to compute energy costs for this behavior. Weight-specific costs of filter-feeding are highest for smaller individuals, and decrease exponentially with fish size. Particulate-feeding costs increase with fish size and with distance travelled during attacks on zooplankton prey. These data were used in combination with published information to examine the energetics of the switch in feeding behavior in relation to the profitability of each feeding method. We develop a model which can be used to predict feeding behavior in relation to fish size and plankton array.