Feeding of introduced species of Cichla (Perciformes, Cichlidae) in Volta Grande reservoir, River Grande (MG/SP).
Both species studied, Cichla cf. ocellaris and Cichla monoculus, fed mainly on fish, the first on Cichla spp., Plagioscion squamosissimus, and Tilapia rendalli, and the second, Cichla monoculus, on Cichla spp. Both diets indicated a strong correlation among the food items. Remarkable ontogenetic change was noted in both species diet: the young fed on crustaceans and insects while the adults fed mainly on fishes. The species studied, which are highly adapted to a brief life span, cause serious damage to the fish communities by predation, competition, and cascade effects throughout the whole trophic chain.
Gomiero
L M
LM
Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Estadual Paulista, C.P. 199, CEP 13506-900, Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil. leanmg@rc.unesp.br
Braga
F M S
FM
D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D023681:Cichlids / Q000502:physiology*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005618:Fresh Water; D005766:Gastrointestinal Contents; D008297:Male; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D012621:Seasons