Feeding ecology of Phalloceros anisophallos (Osteichthyes: Cyprinodontiformes) from Andorinha Stream, Ilha Grande, Brazil

A study on the feeding ecology of Phalloceros anisophallos, a fish species from Andorinha Stream, Ilha Grande, Brazil, reveals significant ontogenetic and seasonal variations in its diet. Adults primarily consume algae and detritus, while juveniles rely more on animal matter such as aquatic insect larvae and terrestrial insects. The research used quantitative analysis, including the alimentary index (IAi) and food volume (Vo), to assess dietary composition. Notably, detritus consumption was significantly higher during the dry season compared to the rainy season, despite no seasonal variation in IAi values for other food categories. This suggests a dynamic feeding strategy influenced by both life stage and environmental conditions.

Mazzoni, R., Araújo, R. R. d. S., Santos, G. C. T. d., & Iglesias-Rios, R. (2010). Feeding ecology of Phalloceros anisophallos (Osteichthyes: Cyprinodontiformes) from Andorinha Stream, Ilha Grande, Brazil. Neotropical Ichthyology, 8(1), 179–182. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1679-62252010000100021