Isotopic change throughout the life history of a Lake Malawi cichlid fish

Genner, M. J. ; Hawkins, S. J. ; Turner, G. F.

Oxford, UK : Blackwell Science Ltd
Published 2003
ISSN:
1095-8649
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Clear changes in body size-isotope (carbon and nitrogen) trajectories of Pseudotropheus callainos, a cichlid belonging to the endemic haplochromine species radiation in Lake Malawi, were found that corresponded with an ontogenetic dietary shift from predominantly planktonic to benthic food sources. The results indicated that dietary switching was a proximate cause of isotopic change over the life history of this species and confirmed the value of stable isotope signatures for inferring diet. The data also illustrated that possible variability of signatures over the life history of a species should be considered when using stable isotope ratios to investigate fine-scale ecological differentiation among taxa.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL: