Ecological stoichiometric characteristics of three dominant fish species from the Beibu Gulf: inter- and intraspecific variations

In this study we explore the inter- and intraspecific variations in ecological stoichiometry of three dominant fish species [ Saurida tumbil ( n = 33), Pennahia macrocephalus 34), Upeneus sulphureus 32)] from Beibu Gulf, contents carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), δ 13 C, 15 N fishes were analyzed. Results illustrated that ranges elemental (C, N, P, Ca) 36.73∼49.24%, 8.79∼13.99%, 1.11∼2.78%, 1.16∼4.58%, respectively while P content varied most, resulting C:P N:P fishes. Correlation analysis determined association among various parameters Ca was significantly positively correlated with content, which indicated variation attributed to formation bones scales. The their ratios body length C fishes, indicating changes C:N:P concentrations are due individual development food sources. Significant differences found study, mainly size diet. aquatic organisms underwent fluctuations morphology diet, consequently altered stoichiometric features.