Abstract
Stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios were measured to investigate the migration of John’s snapper Lutjanus johnii and its dependence on the food resources provided within the large Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (40,151 ha), Malaysia. John’s snapper, and its main prey food such as penaeids, Acetes shrimps and mysids, showed generally depleted δ13C values in the inner mangrove area but more enriched values in the river mouth and coastal area. Some juveniles migrated into the inner mangrove areas, although they were also distributed near the river mouth areas. Isotopic signatures of snapper fish and prey reveal the ontogenetic migration of the youngest juvenile fish (<5 cm in total length) from the coastal area into the mangrove area, shifting their dependence from the coastal food web to the inner mangrove food web with their growth. The study shows the importance of the complex interconnected mangrove waterways and associated prey animals present in the large mangrove system to juvenile John’s snapper.
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.