Feeding habitats of juvenile reef fishes in a tropical mangrove–seagrass continuum along a Malaysian shallow-water coastal lagoon
We conducted stable isotope (δ13C and δ15N) and gut content analyses to understand habitat use of juvenile reef fishes (Lethrinus lentjan, Lutjanus russellii, and Epinephelus coioides), particularly the influence of spatial habitat
structure along seagrass–mangrove continua. Sampling was conducted in Setiu Lagoon, located in the southern waters of the South China Sea (Malaysia). Gut content analysis indicated that the focal fishes preyed mainly on benthic invertebrates and other smaller fishes; these were used
as potential prey items for isotopic tracers to track fish habitat use. Stable isotope analyses highlighted that the juvenile reef fishes were highly associated with seagrass beds as feeding grounds; however, site-specific analyses suggest differences in fish feeding habitats. The juvenile
fishes, particularly large juveniles, preyed in both mangrove and seagrass areas from the central lagoon, whereas all juveniles showed preferential foraging within seagrass meadows in the nearby lagoon mouth. Furthermore, the mean stable isotope values of muscle tissue differed among fish
size classes, indicating their ontogenetic habitat/diet shifts, especially for L. lentjan and E. coioides. This study provides important information to support current efforts in protecting and preserving mangroves and seagrasses as crucial nursery habitats for juvenile reef
fishes from the anthropogenic activities influencing Setiu Lagoon.
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: 1: Institute of Oceanography and Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia 2: Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa-shi, Chiba 277-8564 Japan
Publication date: 01 July 2020
This article was made available online on 11 September 2019 as a Fast Track article with title: "Feeding habitats of juvenile reef fishes in a tropical mangrove-seagrass continuum along a Malaysian shallow-water coastal lagoon".
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