Stable isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) analysis indicate resource partitioning by elasmobranchs from the tropical coastal waters of Kuala Pahang, Malaysia

Maizah Mohd Abdullah and Wei, Yien Lua and Fatin Ilyana Tabaroni and Zalina Bashir and Ahmad Ali and Zainudin Bachok (2023) Stable isotopes (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) analysis indicate resource partitioning by elasmobranchs from the tropical coastal waters of Kuala Pahang, Malaysia. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management (Malaysia), 18 (2). pp. 126-136. ISSN 2672-7226

Nearshore habitats support high levels of biodiversity and important ecological processes such as trophic dynamics. This study aims to determine the trophic dynamics of elasmobranchs and other marine species from the coastal waters of Kuala Pahang, using stable isotope analysis. Samples of invertebrates, teleosts, and juvenile elasmobranchs were collected at the coastal waters of Kuala Pahang, and the composition of stable isotopes δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N were determined. Of all species, teleosts had the narrowest range of δ¹³C values, of between -17.5‰ and -16.7‰, indicating their reliance on similar types of food resources. On the contrary, elasmobranchs had the widest range of food sources as indicated by the δ¹³C values, of between -26.8‰ and-16.8‰. The banded sicklefish (Drepane longimana) occupied the highest trophic level as indicated by a δ¹⁵N value of 12.4‰, whereas the red stingray (Hemitrygon akajei) had the lowest trophic level with a δ15N value of 4.9‰. The depleted δ¹³C values indicated resource partitioning among elasmobranchs, presumably due to the utilisation on estuarine-based carbon resources. This study highlights the potential importance of the estuary of Kuala Pahang as a feeding ground for juvenile elasmobranchs.

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Abstract

Nearshore habitats support high levels of biodiversity and important ecological processes such as trophic dynamics. This study aims to determine the trophic dynamics of elasmobranchs and other marine species from the coastal waters of Kuala Pahang, using stable isotope analysis. Samples of invertebrates, teleosts, and juvenile elasmobranchs were collected at the coastal waters of Kuala Pahang, and the composition of stable isotopes δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N were determined. Of all species, teleosts had the narrowest range of δ¹³C values, of between -17.5‰ and -16.7‰, indicating their reliance on similar types of food resources. On the contrary, elasmobranchs had the widest range of food sources as indicated by the δ¹³C values, of between -26.8‰ and-16.8‰. The banded sicklefish (Drepane longimana) occupied the highest trophic level as indicated by a δ¹⁵N value of 12.4‰, whereas the red stingray (Hemitrygon akajei) had the lowest trophic level with a δ15N value of 4.9‰. The depleted δ¹³C values indicated resource partitioning among elasmobranchs, presumably due to the utilisation on estuarine-based carbon resources. This study highlights the potential importance of the estuary of Kuala Pahang as a feeding ground for juvenile elasmobranchs.

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Item Type:	Article
AGROVOC Term:	stable isotopes
AGROVOC Term:	sharks
AGROVOC Term:	marine ecology
AGROVOC Term:	monsoons
AGROVOC Term:	sampling
AGROVOC Term:	analysis
AGROVOC Term:	biologists
AGROVOC Term:	sustainable aquaculture
AGROVOC Term:	biodiversity
Geographical Term:	Malaysia
Depositing User:	Nor Hasnita Abdul Samat
Date Deposited:	10 Feb 2025 07:57
Last Modified:	10 Feb 2025 07:57
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/470

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