Flood pulse are the main determinant of feeding dynamics and composition of Odontostilbe pequira (Characiformes: Characidae) in southern Pantanal, Brazil

O pulso de inundação é o principal determinante da dinâmica e composição da dieta de Odontostilbe pequira (Characiformes, Characidae) no Pantanal Sul, Brasil

Abstract

Aim  This study characterized the diet of Odontostilbe pequira in Porto Murtinho, Pantanal, Brazil, and evaluated the existence of spatial, temporal and ontogenetic variation in feeding.

Methods  A total of 303 individuals were analyzed from February 2009 through January 2010, and the alimentary index was used to quantify feeding items importance.

Results  Of the 88.7% of all stomachs analyzed that had contents, 78 prey items were identified, with a predominance of algae and microcrustaceans. Significant temporal and ontogenetic variation in diet dynamics and composition were detected. Of the prey items identified, 38.5% were associated with a specific sampling period.

Conclusion  The food intake and composition are mainly determined by water levels followed by ontogeny of O. pequira in southern Pantanal.

Keywords:
floodplain; macrophyte beds; microcrustacean; rotifer; fishes