Characterizing trophic ecology of the checkered puffer (Sphoeroides testudineus)
2017
Rossi, Ryann E. | Giery, Sean T. | Bonnema, Erika W. | Todd, Allison L. | Layman, Craig A.
ABSTRACT Sphoeroides testudineus (Linnaeus, 1758), is a common, widely distributed fish in coastal ecosystems. To better understand the trophic niche of S. testudineus, we collected individuals from tidal creeks on Abaco Island, The Bahamas, and employed stomach content and stable isotope analysis. Examination of stomach contents showed that mollusks, such as West Indian false cerith snails, cerith snails, and tellin clams, were the most common prey items. Diet data were consistent with stable isotopes data such that S. testudineus seem to feed at an intermediate trophic position in the food web. These preliminary data suggest that S. testudineus may be a critical intermediate link in these wetland food webs, serving as pathways through which energy is transferred from primary consumers to other predator species.
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