Morphological divergences as drivers of diet segregation between two sympatric species of Serrapinnus (Characidae: Cheirodontinae) in macrophyte stands in a neotropical floodplain lake

Abstract Diet and morphology of Serrapinnus notomelas sp.1 were investigated across ontogeny, as a way to elucidate the key elements linked resource partitioning (a main driver for species coexistence). Fish sampling was conducted monthly between October 2010 March 2012. Individuals captured, identified, classified into juvenile or adult. Our results show ontogenetic interspecific differences in feeding abilities morphological traits. Differences body shape (relative area dorsal fin, length head, height caudal peduncle, aspect ratio pectoral pelvic fin) favored divergent swimming performances (more maneuverability S. continuous sp.1). We also observed divergences trophic apparatus traits correlations with different diets. In this context, it is highlighted that understanding relationship diet can assist elucidating processes permeate coexistence sympatric species, periods. Besides, relevant contribution measures (gill raker length, number teeth cuspids, intestinal coefficient) segregation seems be strong evidence favor proposed discriminatory predictive capacities these