Morphological Differences in Feeding and Digestive Organs, the Diversity of Intestinal Microorganisms, and Variations in Digestive Enzyme Activity Promote the Differentiation of Nutritional Niches in Schizothoracinae Species.

ABSTRACT: The mechanisms of nutritional niche differentiation among sympatric Schizothoracinae fishes play an important role in their adaptive evolution and should be considered in conservation strategies. To date, there have been no reports about the role of different feeding strategies in nutritional niche differentiation among five Schizothoracinae species (Ptychobarbus leptosomus, PL; Gymnodiptychus pachycheilus, GP; Schizothorax kozlovi, SK; Schizopygopsis malacanthus, SM; and S. wangchiachii, SW). This study explored the role of feeding strategy differences in nutritional niche differentiation among sympatric Schizothoracinae fishes. We analyzed feeding/digestive organ morphology, diet composition, intestinal digestive enzyme activity, and microbial diversity

SUBMITTER: Yan T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12649451 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature