Abstract
AbstractThe present study compared Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus feeding ecology among seasons, sizes, and natural reefs, and between natural and artificial reefs located on the Louisiana shelf edge. As low‐quality diets may hinder growth, reduce condition, and lead to poor reproductive output, information on diets for various habitat types occupied by Red Snapper is critical. This study utilized both stomach content analysis and nitrogen (δ15N) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotope analysis of muscle tissue. Fishes dominated Red Snapper diets at all sites, in all seasons, and generally for all size‐classes. A high biomass of zooplankton was consumed at the artificial reef area and during spring. The largest natural reef provided the widest diversity of prey items, and there was little overlap in prey species consumed between natural and artificial reef habitats. Higher δ15N and lower δ13C values were found for Red Snapper at the artificial reef area, and contrary to the diet results, distinct isotopic niches were found between natural reefs. Differences in Red Snapper isotopic niches between natural reefs indicate that individuals may remain in residence on a specific reef for an extended period. Red Snapper at natural reefs were found to feed on and above the reef, whereas feeding at artificial reefs predominantly occurred on the surrounding seafloor and up in the water column. The quality of habitats underlying reefs is important, as Red Snapper diets reflected the substrate at the occupied reefs. In the northwestern Gulf of Mexico, large, complex natural reefs may provide higher habitat quality for Red Snapper with respect to prey resources than artificial reefs located on mud substrates. Determining which habitats provide high‐quality prey resources for Red Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico may assist decisions on policies and regulations for habitat protection as well as decisions on the future placement of artificial reefs.
Highlights
F Mexico may assist decisions on policies and regulations for habitat protection as well as decisions on the future placement of artificial reefs
The present study addresses this by comparing Red Snapper feeding ecology among seasons, fish sizes, and natural reefs, and between natural and artificial reefs located on the Louisiana shelf edge
Distinct isotopic niches for Red Snapper were found among natural reefs, whereas diet did not vary between natural reefs
Summary
F Mexico may assist decisions on policies and regulations for habitat protection as well as decisions on the future placement of artificial reefs. How fish select a habitat to occupy is a complex process affected by intraspecific and interspecific competition, the presence of predators, substrate complexity and type, environmental conditions (e.g., temperature), and the quantity and quality of available food (Wootton 1998). Interactions between these factors will in turn impact habitat quality; for example, quality may decline with increased competition or improve with greater prey resources. Determining which habitats provide high-quality prey resources for Red Snapper in the Gulf may assist managers in maximizing Red Snapper reproductive output by implementing policies and regulations to protect those habitats
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