Abstract
Abstract The feeding habits of Urotrygon microphthalmum, a Critically Endangered (CR) species, were investigated through stomach contents analysis from specimens caught on bottom double rigged otter trawls in Pernambuco state, Brazil, between March of 2010 and March of 2012. A total of 338 stomachs were analyzed, and 31 food items were identified in the diet of U. microphthalmum. The species ingests mainly shrimps. The diets between males and females were not different, and an ontogenetic diet shift was not observed. The estimated species’ trophic level is 3.5, classifying it as a secondary order consumer.
Highlights
Trophic ecology studies have long used stomach content analyses as an important tool in understanding the trophic position of species and their interactions (e.g., Bornatowski et al, 2014b; Navia et al, 2017)
This study aims to analyze feeding habits and trophic ecology using stomach contents of U. microphthalmum caught off the shore of Pernambuco, in northeast Brazil
The 31 prey items seen in stomachs of Urotrygon microphthalmum in this study is more than twice as high as what was reported by Costa, Almeida (2003) in northern Brazil (Maranhão)
Summary
Trophic ecology studies have long used stomach content analyses as an important tool in understanding the trophic position of species and their interactions (e.g., Bornatowski et al, 2014b; Navia et al, 2017). The smalleye round ray Urotrygon microphthalmum Delsman, 1941 is a small batoid and occurs from Venezuela to Brazil. It is the only species of the family Urotrygonidae to inhabit Brazilian northeastern waters (Bigelow, Schroeder, 1953; Almeida et al, 2000; Santander-Neto, Lessa, 2013). The species usually dwells in several environments such as estuaries, bays, inner platform shelves and islands, and is generally associated with muddy substrates (Piorski, Nunes, 2000)
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