Food Webs & Ecosystem Ecology

Ecology and Evolution of frugivorous fishes

Clemente and PacoThis is an ongoing research project which aims to understand the evolutionary origin and ecological consequences of frugivory by fishes. A recent review (Correa et al., 2008) revealed that frugivorous fishes occur in all biogeographical regions of the globe.  Yet the significance of their role as seed dispersers is fragmented and deserves further attention as many frugivorous fishes are treated by overfishing and habitat lost.  As part of my dissertation I aim to study interaction patterns among frugivorous fishes of the family Serrasalmidae, focusing on habitat and trophic niche partitioning.  With this research I hope to contribute to the understanding of the resources (e.g. specific habitats, forest types, species of fruit, and nutrients) that are key to the maintenance of frugivorous fishes, and who intra- and interspecific species interactions influence their coexistence


Updated August 20, 2008