New insights into the trophic ecology of the recently described top predator fish Hoplias argentinensis

• DOI: 10.1080/01650521.2024.2425573
• Publication Date: 2024-12-24T06:57:33Z
• Authors: Juan Octavio Marz...; Cristian Battagli...; Andrea Bertora; Miguel Mancini; Mariano González-...; Juan José Rosso
• Keywords: Trophic cascade

Hoplias argentinensis is a recently described species in the extreme south of Neotropical region. Despite its wide distribution, high trophic level, and relevance for sport fishing, detailed information about diet lacking. In this work, new insights on ecology H. from two Pampa shallow lakes Argentina are presented. For purpose, complementary characteristics were explored, particularly aspects selectivity, feeding strategy, breadth, individual specialization, as well patterns associated with size sex. The guts adult specimens La Margarita (34°38'S, 63°44'W) Kakel Huincul (36°48'S, 57°47'W) studied. Bryconamericus iheringii Odontesthes bonariensis most consumed items. Shrimp was abundant few specialized individuals. There tendency prey to increase predator size, there no differences between sexes. Both populations presented zoophagous mainly an ichthyophagous condition, relationship frequently ingested food item abundance environment, indicating random behavior when selecting preys. This work presents first contribution knowledge belonging malabaricus complex using populations.