Assessment of dominant species food relation in habitats of commercial shrimp in Hormuzgan Province waters (Persian Gulf)

Shrimp is one of the most important aquatic animals,that have decreased their stocks in Hormozgan province, especially the eastern province . Evalution of food interaction in shrimp habitats (Estuaries of Tyab, Yek shabeh, Laft and Khouran) was studied with Ecopaht with Ecosim software (ver. 6.5) in Hormuzgan province. After entering the input components (Biomass,P/B and Q/B), model was balanced and outputs were extracted. Results of trophic levels, was close to previous research in these areas for all species in estuaries. Maximum of ecotrophic efficiency was belonged to phytoplankton and other preys that were observed in predator stomachs. Biological future of food web estimated to be threatened based on omnivore index of planktonivore groups. Maximum food competition between the four food models was estimated in detritivores communities in Laft estuary, that may be related to the low density of mangrove in this region. Khamir estuary ecosystem could be more stable, because each impacting group had its own separate ecological niche and special predation territory. key indices in each of four food models were related to phytoplankton communities, this key role has been demonstrated much better in Yek Shovy estuary than others. Future of commercial shrimp stocks will be expected to be in better condition in Khoran estuary compared to other three ones, due to selection of separate ecological niche by predators and High biomass of detritus in this estuary.

Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute

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