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<p>The blacktip grouper (<i>Epinephelus fasciatus</i>) is commercially important and serves as the top predator in reef ecosystems. Understanding its dietary habits is crucial for understanding its ecological role and informing conservation strategies. In this study, we investigated the dietary composition and feeding ecology of <i>E. fasciatus</i> to assess potential variation by size and season. From May 2022 to January 2024, 171 specimens were collected via line fishing around Koshikishima Island, Japan. We determined the key prey items through stomach content analysis and dietary contributions through stable isotope (δ<sup>15</sup>N and δ<sup>13</sup>C) analysis combined with a Bayesian mixing model (MixSIAR). Crabs, shrimp, and fish were the primary prey groups, with less contributions from polychaetes, starfish, and slipper lobsters. Shrimp was the primary food source for the latter and start of the year (October–December and January–March). Peak crab consumption occurred in the second (April–June) and third (July–September) quarters. The diet of the smaller class (≤ 300&#xa0;mm) primarily comprised of crabs and shrimp, whereas that of the larger class (≥ 301&#xa0;mm) was more diverse. However, permutational multivariate analysis of variance indicated no significant dietary variation by size or season. Stable isotopes indicated an increase in trophic levels with body size. Notably, crabs contributed approximately 95% of the diet in smaller individuals, whereas the contribution of shrimp and fish was slightly higher in larger individuals. These findings provide critical insights into the feeding ecology and role of <i>E. fasciatus</i> in reef ecosystems.</p>

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Feeding Habits of Blacktip Grouper Epinephelus Fasciatus Around Koshikishima Island, Southern Japan

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月22日

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  • Kalisiana Marama Matakiviti,
  • Yoshihiro Harada,
  • Masafumi Kodama,
  • Toru Kobari,
  • Tomohiro Komorita,
  • Gen Kume

摘要

The blacktip grouper (Epinephelus fasciatus) is commercially important and serves as the top predator in reef ecosystems. Understanding its dietary habits is crucial for understanding its ecological role and informing conservation strategies. In this study, we investigated the dietary composition and feeding ecology of E. fasciatus to assess potential variation by size and season. From May 2022 to January 2024, 171 specimens were collected via line fishing around Koshikishima Island, Japan. We determined the key prey items through stomach content analysis and dietary contributions through stable isotope (δ15N and δ13C) analysis combined with a Bayesian mixing model (MixSIAR). Crabs, shrimp, and fish were the primary prey groups, with less contributions from polychaetes, starfish, and slipper lobsters. Shrimp was the primary food source for the latter and start of the year (October–December and January–March). Peak crab consumption occurred in the second (April–June) and third (July–September) quarters. The diet of the smaller class (≤ 300 mm) primarily comprised of crabs and shrimp, whereas that of the larger class (≥ 301 mm) was more diverse. However, permutational multivariate analysis of variance indicated no significant dietary variation by size or season. Stable isotopes indicated an increase in trophic levels with body size. Notably, crabs contributed approximately 95% of the diet in smaller individuals, whereas the contribution of shrimp and fish was slightly higher in larger individuals. These findings provide critical insights into the feeding ecology and role of E. fasciatus in reef ecosystems.