Feeding ecology of two sympatric species of large-sized groupers (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) on Southwestern Atlantic coralline reefs

Abstract

Red and black groupers are large-bodied opportunistic ambush predators commonly found in Southwestern Atlantic tropical reefs. We investigated the diet of both species in order to detail ontogenetic, spatial and temporal trends, and to assess the extent of overlap in resource use between these two sympatric predators on the Abrolhos Bank, Brazil. Decapods and fishes were the main food items of Epinephelus morio while fishes were the main prey of Mycteroperca bonaci. Both diets were significantly influenced by body size and habitat, but only smaller individuals of E. morio feed almost exclusively on crustaceans. While the two groupers rely on many of the same prey types, coexistence may be facilitated by E. morio feeding more heavily on crustaceans, particularly the blackpoint sculling crab Cronius ruber, while black grouper take comparatively few crustaceans but lots of fish prey. Predators like red and black groupers could trigger indirect effects in the community and influence a large range of ecological processes, such as linkages between top and intermediate predators, and intermediate predators and their resources.

Risk assessment of small‐scale reef fisheries off the Abrolhos Bank: Snappers and groupers under a multidimensional evaluation

“…Across this region, snappers and groupers are common fishery resources (Martins, Costa, Olavo, & Haimovici, ; MPA, ), caught mainly by handline and harpoon (Olavo, Costa, & Martins, ; Previero & Gasalla, ). They are carnivorous species that feed on fish and crustaceans (Freitas et al, ), and they play a fundamental role in the trophic equilibrium of the coral reef ecosystems (Rizzari, Frisch, Hoey, & McCormick, ). Despite the explicit snapper and grouper economic and ecological importance, their fisheries are not evaluated or monitored.…”

The snapper and grouper fisheries of the Abrolhos Bank, East Brazil shelf: fleet patterns, exploitation status and risk assessment

“…A recent study proved protogynous hermaphroditism in E. morio and M. bonaci from Abrolhos Bank (FREITAS et al, 2017). By comparing the length frequencies of these stocks ( Fig.…”

“…Most groupers can change their body color according to the brightness, turbidity, bottom type or activity engaged (DELOACH, 1999). The groupers studied here are usually hermaphroditic, starting the life as females and changing to males at larger sizes (DELOACH, 1999;RANDALL, 1968), however this sex change has not yet been registered for Abrolhos Bank groupers (FREITAS et al, 2017).…”

“…synagris, Ocyurus chrysurus) and three groupers (Cephalopholis fulva, Epinephelus morio, Mycteroperca bonaci) are among the main reef fish stocks in commercial landings (Table 1, The snappers and groupers are recognized by the American Fisheries Society as a management unit, encompassing also other reef associated species, the by-catch stocks, composing the snapper-grouper complex (COLEMAN et al, 2000;OLAVO et al, 2011). These stocks are carnivorous and feed on fish and crustaceans (FREITAS et al, 2017), playing a fundamental role in the trophic equilibrium of the coral reef ecosystems (RIZZARI et al, 2014).…”

“…synagris (ariocó), and Ocyurus chrysurus (guaiúba) and three groupers Cephalopholis fulva (catuá), Epinephelus morio (garoupa) and Mycteroperca bonaci (badejo) are among the main reef fishes in commercial landings. These stocks are mostly long-lived and large-bodied (FREITAS et al, 2017;PREVIERO et al, 2011). Their life traits also include late sexual maturation and spawning aggregations (SADOVY DE MITCHESON et al, 2013), which make them highly vulnerable to fisheries (COLEMAN et al, 1999).…”