Fish community assembly in tropical estuaries: A phylogenetic and functional approach
Trophic niche; Niche breadth; Phylogenetic signal.
Ecological similarities among species are generally attributed to a common evolutionary history, identified through the phylogenetic signal, indicating that closely related species exhibit greater similarity in ecological traits than unrelated species. In this context, despite evidence that the phylogenetic approach is promising for understanding community assembly, many questions remain to be explored, such as from a trophic perspective for predatory species. A total of 40 fish species were studied, with consistent species composition across seasons. However, dietary variability and density were higher during the wet season. Most species exhibited low niche breadth values, except for a few with broader diets. Trophic levels varied, with some species showing significant diet specialization. A phylogenetic signal was observed for maximum length and individual specialization, but not for trophic niche breadth or level. Our findings reveal complex phylogenetic interactions among the trophic traits of tropical fish, with maximum length and individual diet specialization showing phylogenetic signals, while trophic niche breadth and level did not, indicating that factors beyond evolutionary relationships significantly influence these traits.