Trophic ecology of marine fish | Trophic ecology of marine fish: Chapter 6

International audience

Inglés. Fish represent the most diverse and abundant group of vertebrates on Earth, and as such, the diversity of trophic strategies observed in marine fishes is outstanding. Morphology can inform about species trophic ecology according to the "ecomorphology" hypothesis, which is firstly described in the chapter. Second, some of the multiple other methods used to detail the diet of marine fishes (stomach content and regurgitate analyses, trophic biomarkers such as stable isotopes and fatty acids, DNA-based approaches) are addressed. Third, the behavioural and physiological adaptations associated with marine fish feeding are developed. Behavioural adaptations considered include foraging behaviour and factors influencing it, the role of senses in these behavioural strategies, endocrine and metabolic control of feeding, feeding rhythms, resource polymorphism and the influence of individual personality on foraging behaviour.<p>Physiological adaptations considered include the acquisition and synthesis pathways of some dietary essential components in marine fishes, with particular emphasis on the role of essential long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on physiological performance of marine fishes in the context of global change. Sources of synthesis of highly unsaturated fatty acids for fish are also addressed, and processes of de novo production of these fatty acids in marine fishes are being explained. The impact of global change on the availability of these essential components of fish physiology and performances is then examined. Research on the ecology, physiology and ethology of marine fish feeding is still needed to better understand how fish species can optimize resource use in changing environments in the context of global change, and how to improve the sustainability of aquaculture programs.</p>