Aggregation dynamics and foraging behaviour of striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus in the western Mediterranean Sea.
Habitat-related heterogeneity of striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus heterospecific foraging assemblages was examined off the coast of Spain. Video-based focal-follows conducted on 122 M. surmuletus assemblages (446 total individuals) revealed an array of attendant species (n = 7) with composition linked to benthic habitat complexity; bare sandy substrata were characterized by homospecific groups of M. surmuletus, while habitats with rock and vegetation attracted a variety of scrounging labrids and sparids. Although the nature of the relationship between M. surmuletus and attendants requires further exploration, the present study indicates that substratum composition can be a driving factor explaining the dynamics of this heterospecific assemblage.
Florida Atlantic University's, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, 5600 US 1 North, Fort Pierce, FL 34946, U.S.A.
M J
MJ
Ajemian
University of North Carolina, Institute of Marine Science, 3431 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557, U.S.A.
M D
MD
Kenworthy
University of Alicante, Department of Marine Sciences and Applied Biology, Carretera de Sant Vicent del Raspeig s/n, 03690 San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain.
J L
JL
Sánchez-Lizaso
University of South Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, 101 Bienville Blvd, Dauphin Island, AL 36528, U.S.A.
J
J
Cebrian
D000818:Animals; D017753:Ecosystem; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D010473:Perciformes; D023701:Smegmamorpha; D013030:Spain
Mullidae; benthic habitat; foraging behaviour; goatfish