Temporal and spatial dietary dynamics of the longspine glassy (Ambassis ambassis) in the St Lucia estuarine system, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

A significant dietary overlap was found among the longspine glassy (Ambassis ambassis) across different localities within the St Lucia estuarine system, iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This species, prominent in the system's 155 recorded fish species, has expanded its distribution following a shift to wetter conditions since 2011. The study revealed that A. ambassis links lower trophic levels, such as zooplankton and insects, with larger piscivorous predators, highlighting its vital role in the food web. Stable isotope (δ¹⁵N and δ¹³C) analysis and gut content analysis were used to elucidate dietary dynamics, showing seasonal variations in trophic position influenced by salinity and temperature.

Dyer, D., Perissinotto, R., & Carrasco, N. (2015). Temporal and spatial dietary dynamics of the longspine glassy (Ambassis ambassis) in the St Lucia estuarine system, iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Water SA, 41(1), 91. https://doi.org/10.4314/wsa.v41i1.12