Predicting ecomorphological patterns from morphology of a tropical estuarine fish assemblage

Abstract

Ecomorphological studies generally seek ecological information from a morphological analysis. Based on 12 ecomorphological traits and six coded variables taken from six species of bony fishes (Anchovia clupeoides, Harengula clupeola, Sciades herzbergii, Selene vomer, Stellifer rastrifer and Sphoeroides testudineus), a principal component analysis and a cluster analysis were made. Three main groups, each sharing similar characteristics, were identified from both analysis: (1) H. clupeola and A. clupeoides, cruisers with small heads, big eyes and reduced or absent dentition, indicating the presence of small prey in their diet; (2) S. herzbergii, S. rastrifer and S. testudineus were grouped mainly because of their bottom associated habits, the use of high turbulent microhabitats and for feeding on bigger prey than the first group; (3) S. vomer was isolated especially because of the highly compressed and tall body, fast swimming ability and since it has a broader diet than the other species.
Keywords: Brazil, ecomorphology, estuarine fishes, multivariate analysis.