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Stable isotopes and cellulase activity as evidence for detritus as a food source for juvenile Gulf menhaden

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Abstract

Menhaden are one of the most abundant components of fish communities in Gulf and Atlantic estuaries. Juvenile menhaden have been reported to have zooplankton, phytoplankton, andSpartina-derived detritus in their guts. However, there has been disagreement over the importance of the detritus as a food source. We show, using physiological and stable isotope evidence, that detritus can be used by juvenile Gulf menhaden. Their diet is very roughly 30% detritus- and 70% plankton-based.

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Author notes

  1. Linda A. Deegan

    Present address: Marine Biological Laboratory, The Ecosystems Center, 02543, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

  2. Ralph Portier

    Present address: Department of Environmental Science, Louisiana State University, 70803, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, University of Massachusetts, 01003, Amherst, Massachusetts

    Linda A. Deegan

  2. Center for Wetlands Resources, Louisiana State University, 70803, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

    Ralph Portier

  3. Marine Biological Laboratory, The Ecosystems Center, 02543, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

    Bruce J. Peterson

Authors
  1. Linda A. Deegan
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  2. Bruce J. Peterson
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  3. Ralph Portier
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Deegan, L.A., Peterson, B.J. & Portier, R. Stable isotopes and cellulase activity as evidence for detritus as a food source for juvenile Gulf menhaden. Estuaries 13, 14–19 (1990). https://doi.org/10.2307/1351427

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/1351427

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