Regional Variation in Feeding Patterns of Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus) in the Northwest Gulf of Mexico

Feeding patterns of sheepshead, Archosargus probatocephalus, in the northwest Gulf Mexico were examined from samples collected at two locations Texas, USA; Galveston and Port Aransas. A total 53 sheepshead stomachs (Galveston, n = 35; Aransas, 18) had their contents analyzed along with tissue muscle liver for a stable isotope analysis (δ13C, δ15N, δ34S) because they provide contrast between short-term (liver) long-term (muscle) measurements. Multiple species amphipods made up majority prey items (%IRI 61.79), whereas barnacles primary diet item Aransas 39.53). We observed shifts prior to during spawning season. MANOVA revealed significant differences δ13C, δ34S values based on location. In both samples, δ13C lower than but δ15N higher Niche size overlap also differed types. Sheepshead larger niche ((mean ± SD) 479.3 131.2, muscle; 433.3 120.3, liver) (178.8 54.3, 270.0 80.9, liver). The trophic overlapped by 16.47% 18.56% samples. measured 18.49% 39.17% This study shows that there are subtle diets Texas coast, potentially attributable field natural salinity gradient coast. work provides an insight into widely generalist grazing behavior which changes springtime