A Discriminant Functions Analysis of Sunfish (Lepomis) Food Habits and Feeding Niche Segregation in the Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana Estuary
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TL;DR
Differences in discriminant function scores appeared to be due to interspecific feeding niche segregation in sunfish species studied in the Lake Pontchartrain estuary.
Abstract
The food habits of four species of sunfish, Lepomis macrochirus, L. microlophus, L. punctatus, and L. gulosus were studied in the Lake Pontchartrain estuary. Forty estuarine food items were identified from stomach samples. Although the food items were different from those of Lepomis spp. in fresh water, specific feeding patterns in regard to prey size and space partitioning were comparable. A discriminant functions analysis was used to objectively compare specific differences in stomach content data. Differences in discriminant function scores appeared to be due to interspecific feeding niche segregation.