Species-specific drivers explain fish feeding and individual niche variation.

ABSTRACT: The trophic ecology of animals often results from complex interactions between environmental and biological drivers. Yet, studies that explore trophic ecology across multiple fish species while considering a wide range of environmental variables remain limited. In this study, we analysed diet and niche variation in fish communities across five protected areas in the northern Iberian Peninsula, examining their responses along environmental and biological gradients. Our multiple regression analyses showed that both environmental and biological drivers significantly influence fish feeding behaviour and individual specialisation, but these effects are species-specific. We propose that the primary mechanisms shaping fish feeding strategies, whether benthic foraging or surface-drift feeding, are

SUBMITTER: Sanchez-Hernandez J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12536044 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature