Abstract
Leiognathus equula, a species generally regarded as a zoobenthic feeder, was the most abundant fish species sampled in the Mfolozi–Msunduzi estuarine system in 2008–2010, despite the zoobenthos in this system being impoverished. Four dietary assessment methods all confirmed that its diet, both spatially and temporally, was overwhelmingly dominated by the copepod Pseudodiaptomus stuhlmanni. Plankton data indicated the presence of high P. stuhlmanni densities supporting this fish species. It appears likely that L. equula are present in relatively large numbers due to their ability to target P. stuhlmanni, probably preying on them during daylight hours when these copepods are on or near the estuary bottom.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.