Functional groups in piscivorous fishes

Michalis Mihalitsis; David R. Bellwood

doi:10.1002/ece3.8020

journal article Open Access Sep 01, 2021

Functional groups in piscivorous fishes

Michalis Mihalitsis

David R. Bellwood

Ecology and Evolution Vol. 11 No. 18 pp. 12765-12778 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/ece3.8020

Abstract

AbstractPiscivory is a key ecological function in aquatic ecosystems, mediating energy flow within trophic networks. However, our understanding of the nature of piscivory is limited; we currently lack an empirical assessment of the dynamics of prey capture and how this differs between piscivores. We therefore conducted aquarium‐based performance experiments, to test the feeding abilities of 19 piscivorous fish species. We quantified their feeding morphology, striking, capturing, and processing behavior. We identify two major functional groups: grabbers and engulfers. Grabbers are characterized by horizontal, long‐distance strikes, capturing their prey tailfirst and subsequently processing their prey using their oral jaw teeth. Engulfers strike from short distances, from high angles above or below their prey, engulfing their prey and swallowing their prey whole. Based on a meta‐analysis of 2,209 published in situ predator–prey relationships in marine and freshwater aquatic environments, we show resource partitioning between grabbers and engulfers. Our results provide a functional classification for piscivorous fishes delineating patterns, which transcend habitats, that may help explain size structures in fish communities.

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Details

Published: Sep 01, 2021
Vol/Issue: 11(18)
Pages: 12765-12778
License: View

Authors

M

Michalis Mihalitsis

Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia; College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia

D

David R. Bellwood

Research Hub for Coral Reef Ecosystem Functions James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia; College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia; Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia

Funding

Australian Research Council Award: CE140100020

Cite This Article

Michalis Mihalitsis, David R. Bellwood (2021). Functional groups in piscivorous fishes. Ecology and Evolution, 11(18), 12765-12778. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8020

Functional groups in piscivorous fishes

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