Author(s): Tueanta Ramarn, Wijittra Amornwiriyachai, Jaruwan Choosong, Jaruayporn Numnoi, Preeyalak Konongbua and Jamjun Pechsiri

Abstract: In order to analyze trophic relationships occurring within an estuarine fish assemblage in Songkhla Lake Basin, stomach contents from 5 species of estuarine fishes were examined. Percent by weight (%W) was used to establish trophic organization applying Levins’ dietary breadth (Bi) and Pianka’s dietary overlap index to evaluate interspecific relationships in fish assemblage. The results showed that two herbivorous and 3 carnivorous species were defined with low dietary breadth; the former (Scatophagus argus and Liza subviridis) was species whose diet is based mainly on phytoplankton (diatoms and Oscillatoria). The latter (Plotosus canius, Arius maculatus and Osteogeneiosus militaris) was largely composed by predators of Phylum Mollusca (bivalve), Annelida (Polychaete) and Arthropoda (shrimps, Amphipods and Thanidacean). Results for feeding ecology presented that estuarine fish assemblage in Songkhla Lake Basins have low diet breath (Bi); Bi value was 0.00 for P. canius, S. argus and L. subviridis, whereas Bi value were 0.45 and 0.43 for A. maculatus and O. militaris, respectively. For diet overlap, this value was the highest value between P. canius and A. maculata, moderate value between A. malulatus and O. militaris and the lowest value between other fish species. These preliminary results suggest partitioning of food resources among five estuarine species, which may favor their coexistence in Songkhla Lake Basin. This may also contribution for resource management and preservation in further.

Pages: 667-673  |  635 Views  190 Downloads

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