Abstract

Niche partitioning is the process by which coexisting species differentiate in their patterns of resource use. Samples are being collected to examine if dietary niche partitioning permits the coexistence of three sympatric snapper species (Red Snapper Lutjanus camprechanus, Blackfin Snapper Lutjanus buccanella, and Vermilion Snapper Rhomboplites aurorubens) in the offshore shelf-edge banks of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Gut content analysis will provide a qualitative estima-tion of diet composition revealing prey preferences and niche breadth. Stable isotope ratios of ?15N and ?13C will elucidate patterns in niche breadth and overlap on both a temporal and spatial scales. Results may show a wide niche breadth from pelagic and benthic preys, as these species are known to be opportunistic feeders. Slight differences in feeding behavior may reveal that interspecific competition for prey is low and that species are separated in terms of trophic niche, enabling their coexistence. Examining niche partitioning will increase the basic knowledge of blackfin snapper ecology in the Gulf of Mexico, as little is known about this ecologically important species in the region.

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