Trophic Linkages in Marshes: Ontogenetic Changes in Diet for Young-of-the-Year Mummichog, Fundulus Heteroclitus

摘要: Transfer of salt marsh production in the form detritus to surrounding coastal and estuarine areas has been an area interest for a number years. The common mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus proposed as important link trophic transfer, however little is known about role small young-of-the-year (YOY) this process. To address lack information, YOY were collected from flooded surfaces at lower Delaware Bay site over 2 summers order determine ontogenetic shifts food habits. Young-of-the-year F. abundant on surface, during peak larval recruitment marsh, fish densities reached 15 30 M−2 Multiple cohorts visible 1997, indicating up 4 separate spawning events. Stomach contents dominated by detrital-sediment aggregates, harpacticoid copepods, annelid worms. habits changed with size, stomach smallest individuals (6.6 mm<20.4 mm SL) composed primarily benthic fauna such copepods larger (20.5–30.4 shifted mostly Spartina sediment aggregate. Thus, consume both directly indirectly (through consumption detritivore fauna). Prior research indicated that are dominant species life history stage surface abundance biomass, high measures secondary production. Thus it likely make substantial contribution transfer estuary.