SREL Reprint #1872

Multivariate analysis of feeding relationships of fishes in blackwater streams

Andrew L. Sheldon1 and Gary K. Meffe2

1Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
2University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, Drawer E, Aiken, SC 29802, USA

Synopsis: The autumnal diets of 23 fish species in 9 families from South Carolina blackwater streams were characterized by rank order statistics and analyzed by detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). DCA ordinations of fishes and their food items indicate two primary gradients. The first axis contrasts fine particle feeders and omnivores (Catostomidae, some cyprinids) eating algae, detritus, microcrustacea and bivalves, with predators (Anguilla, Esox, large Ameiurus) on decapods and vertebrates. The second is a gradient from benthic feeders (percid darters, Noturus catfishes) with varied invertebrate diets, to taxa (Gambusia, some cyprinids and centrarchids) feeding at the surface. With increasing size, fishes shift to larger prey and increased surface feeding. Much of the trophic differentiation within the assemblage reflects diversification at generic and family levels. DCA is an effective method for summarizing trophic relations in diverse assemblages.

Keywords: Detrended correspondence ordination, Diversity, Fish assemblage structure, Food habits, South Carolina

SREL Reprint #1872

Sheldon, A.L. and G.K. Meffe. 1993. Multivariate analysis of feeding relationships of fishes in blackwater streams. Environmental Biology of Fishes 37:161-171. 

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).