Trophic ecology of fishes associated with artificial reefs assessed using multiple biomarkers

Understanding trophic relationships within artificial reef communities, especially those of the most numerically abundant fish, provides value to ecologists and managers looking to prioritize healthy food webs. Here we elucidate the trophic interactions of three common fish species on high relief (> 5 m) and low relief (< 5 m) artificial reefs in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Biomarkers including stable isotopes, (delta C-13, delta N-15, and delta S-34), and essential fatty acids (18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, 18:4n-3, 20:4n-6, 20:5n-3, 22:5n3, and 22:6n-3) were analyzed within muscle and liver tissue. Species-specific comparisons among tomtate (Haemulon aurolineatum), pigfish (Orthopristis chrysoptera), and red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus), revealed differences in biomarkers within muscle tissue (long-term) namely delta C-13, delta N-15, delta S-34, EPA (20:5n-3), and DHA (22:6n-3). However, using liver tissue (short-term) significant differences existed among a fewer number of biomarkers (delta N-15, delta S-34, and EPA) among the three species, indicating increasing trophic similarity. Red snapper collected from low relief reefs had higher delta N-15 values than those on high relief reefs which may be due to higher forage trophic level due to the lack of co-occurring congeners. This study highlights the importance of inter-specific food web observations that aid in the interpretation of the complex trophic relationships occurring on artificial reefs.

Automated summary

This study compared the trophic interactions of three common fish species on high and low relief artificial reefs, finding differences in biomarkers in muscle tissue but increasing trophic similarity in liver tissue. Red snapper from low relief reefs had higher δ N-15 values, possibly due to a higher forage trophic level. The importance of inter-specific food web observations in understanding trophic relationships on artificial reefs was highlighted.