Submit to Fishes Review for Fishes Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser

Trophic Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish Species

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Fishes (ISSN 2410-3888). This special issue belongs to the section "Biology and Ecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2026) | Viewed by 11471

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Davide Cicala

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Earth and Marine Sciences, University of Palermo, Rome, Italy
Interests: trophic ecology; biodiversity; stable isotopes analysis; stomach content data; eDNA metabarcoding; freshwater; marine; fishes

Prof. Dr. Ying Xue

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Fisheries, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
Interests: trophic dynamics; fish biodiverstiy; species distribution model; habitat suitability
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Kai Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

College of Oceanography and Ecological Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
Interests: feeding ecology; marine ranching; physiological ecology of macroalgae; seawed beds construction and ecological restoration

Dr. Rijin Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Zhejiang Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Zhou Shan, No. 28 Tiyu Road, Lincheng Street, Dinghai District, Zhoushan, China
Interests: fish community structure characteristics; fish morphology; fishery resource survey

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The trophic ecology of fish species, both freshwater and marine, is a fundamental aspect of understanding aquatic ecosystems. Trophic interactions influence nutrient cycling, food web dynamics, population structures, and ecosystem structure. This special issue aims to compile the gap and advances our knowledge of the trophic relationships in various fish species, exploring their roles as predators, prey, and competitors within their ecosystems. We invite contributions that utilize innovative methodologies, including stable isotope analysis, gut content analysis, and advanced modeling techniques, to shed light on the dietary habits and ecological roles of fish in diverse aquatic environments.

Topics of Interest:

We encourage submissions that address, but are not limited to, the following topics:

Dietary Composition and Feeding Strategies: Investigations based on the dietary habits of freshwater and marine fish species, including changes in diet across different life stages.
Food Web Dynamics: Studies on the structure and function of aquatic food webs, highlighting the ecological role and impact of fish species within these networks.
Stable Isotope Analysis: Use of stable isotopes to trace nutrient pathways and understand dietary patterns and trophic relationships.
Gut Content Analysis: Providing insights into prey selection and feeding behavior.
Trophic Niches and Overlap: Examination of niche partitioning and overlap among coexisting fish species, contributing to our understanding of competition and coexistence mechanisms.
Impact of Environmental Changes: Studies on how climate change, affect the trophic ecology of fish.
Functional Roles of Fish: Exploration of the trophic roles of fish as ecosystem engineers, keystone species, or indicators of ecosystem funtioning.
Methodological Advances: Innovative methods and approaches in studying trophic ecology, including technological advancements and interdisciplinary techniques.
Case Studies: Detailed case studies from various geographical locations, providing comparative insights into the trophic ecology of fish in different ecosystems.

Dr. Davide Cicala
Prof. Dr. Ying Xue
Dr. Kai Wang
Dr. Rijin Jiang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Fishes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

fish
trophic niches
trophic ecology
food web
dietary composition
feeding strategies

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

16 pages, 1214 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feeding Ecology and Trophic Overlap of Sympatric Rajidae Species in the Eastern Ionian Sea (Central Mediterranean)

by Archontia Chatzispyrou, Konstantinos Charalampous, Evgenia Lefkaditou, Aikaterini Anastasopoulou and Constantin Koutsikopoulos

Fishes 2026, 11(5), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11050277 - 9 May 2026

Viewed by 433

Abstract

The feeding ecology of sympatric elasmobranchs provides key insights into trophic interactions and species coexistence within demersal ecosystems. The current study examined the diet composition and trophic relationships of three skate species (Raja asterias, Raja clavata, and Raja miraletus) in the eastern Ionian Sea (central Mediterranean). Stomach content analysis was combined with quantitative dietary indices and multivariate statistical approaches, including NMDS, PERMANOVA, SIMPER, and Schoener’s overlap index. All skate species primarily consumed benthic crustaceans and demersal teleost fishes, although differences in prey contribution were detected among species. Raja clavata exhibited higher prey diversity, whereas R. asterias and R. miraletus showed stronger reliance on decapod crustaceans. Multivariate analyses revealed significant interspecific differences in diet composition with generally low-to-moderate trophic overlap among species. These findings suggest that sympatric Rajidae species exploit similar prey resources while maintaining partial trophic partitioning, possibly reducing direct niche overlap and facilitating ecological coexistence. This study contributes to the understanding of trophic structuring in Mediterranean skate assemblages and supports ecosystem-based approaches to demersal fisheries management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trophic Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish Species)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

12 pages, 3496 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feeding Morphology Supports Carnivorous Habits in Algansea lacustris: A Multitrait Approach

by Citlali Wendolin Rodriguez-Paramo, María Cristina Chávez-Sánchez, Pamela Navarrete-Ramírez, Carlos Antonio Martínez-Palacios, Andrea Gutiérrez-Contreras and Carlos Cristian Martínez-Chávez

Fishes 2026, 11(3), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11030167 - 14 Mar 2026

Viewed by 360

Abstract

Accurate classification of fish trophic strategies based solely on gut contents can be misleading, especially when plant material is ingested incidentally during predatory benthic foraging. The Pátzcuaro chub (Algansea lacustris) is a critically endangered cyprinid endemic to Central Mexico. It has historically been described as omnivorous with a tendency toward algivory, despite limited anatomical evidence. In this study, integrated anatomical, morphometric, and functional approaches were used to reassess the feeding strategy of A. lacustris and inform conservation-oriented aquaculture. Double-staining techniques revealed a specialised filtering and crushing branchial–pharyngeal system adapted to capture and process animal prey. Relative intestinal length (RIL) was measured from freshly dissected intestines. Intestinal transit time was experimentally evaluated using a formulated diet and live Artemia. Algansea lacustris exhibited a short intestine (RIL = 0.86 ± 0.10) and rapid intestinal transit (<30 min), both of which are characteristics of carnivorous teleosts. These results provide consistent anatomical and physiological evidence that A. lacustris is primarily adapted to a low-trophic carnivorous or insectivorous feeding strategy, with important implications for its ecological characterisation. Moreover, intestinal transit was faster after ingestion of live Artemia than after the formulated diet, likely due to differences in moisture content. The observed short transit times indicate the need for more frequent feeding and support the refinement of diet formulation and feeding strategies in conservation aquaculture programmes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trophic Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish Species)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2151 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Feeding Habits and Length–Weight Relationships of the Invasive Black Bullhead Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque, 1820) in the Gruža Reservoir, Central Serbia

by Milena Radenković, Nataša Kojadinović, Aleksandra Milošković, Tijana Veličković, Milica Stojković Piperac, Aleksa Cvetković and Vladica Simić

Fishes 2026, 11(3), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11030144 - 27 Feb 2026

Viewed by 501

Abstract

Invasive freshwater fishes often display high trophic plasticity, facilitating their establishment and persistence in novel environments. This study examined the feeding ecology, growth patterns, and trophic role of the invasive black bullhead Ameiurus melas in the eutrophic Gruža Reservoir (Central Serbia), with emphasis on ontogenetic dietary shifts and potential ecological impact. Diet composition was analyzed in 103 individuals representing three age classes using traditional diet indices, Costello graphical analysis, self-organizing maps (SOMs), and the Indicator Value (IndVal). Chironomidae, Protozoa, and fish eggs were the dominant dietary components across age classes, although their relative importance varied ontogenetically. Younger individuals exhibited a more generalized feeding strategy, whereas older fish showed increased specialization on benthic prey. SOM-IndVal analyses revealed prey taxa associated with specific feeding patterns at the individual level, identifying Diptera as an indicator prey not detected by population-level indices. Length–weight relationships indicated negative allometric growth (b < 3) across all age classes, consistent with a diet dominated by low-energy prey. These feeding patterns may contribute to altered benthic processes, reduced native fish recruitment, and reinforcement of eutrophic conditions. Overall, the results highlight the pronounced trophic flexibility and ecological plasticity of A. melas, supporting its invasive success in degraded freshwater ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trophic Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish Species)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1485 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trophic Niche Differentiation and Mercury Levels in Cyphotilapia frontosa and C. gibberosa Along the East Coast of Lake Tanganyika

by George D. Jackson, Christine H. Jackson and Asilatu H. Shechonge

Fishes 2026, 11(2), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes11020106 - 9 Feb 2026

Viewed by 778

Abstract

Diet, trophic niche, and mercury were examined for Cyphotilapia frontosa and C. gibberosa along the east coast of Lake Tanganyika, from northern Burundi to the southern region near the Zambian border. Mercury levels were generally low across populations, indicating that Lake Tanganyika is a low-mercury environment. However, fish from Burundi had significantly higher mercury concentrations (0.1 mg^−kg) compared to all other sites, which showed mean mercury values less than 0.04 mg^−kg. Diet analysis based on δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N revealed variation in both diet composition and trophic niche width along the lake. Four sites exhibited isotopic niche overlap with their adjacent location, forming two clusters of sites with similar trophic structure. In contrast, several other sites showed little to no overlap, indicating greater isotopic differentiation. Because detailed dietary information for Cyphotilapia is lacking, we selected nine prey groups and compiled their isotopic signatures from the literature for use in MixSIAR dietary analysis. The model indicated clear dietary differentiation among sites. Mussels, jellyfish, and fish were important dietary contributors, while zooplankton, snails, and crustaceans contributed moderately. Insects formed only a very small contribution to the diet. The relative importance of each prey group varied among sites, demonstrating differences in resource use along the lake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trophic Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish Species)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3600 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Ontogenetic Dietary Shifts on the Trophic Structure of Fish Communities Based on the Trophic Spectrum

by Junwei Xu, Jie Yin, Binduo Xu, Chongliang Zhang, Yupeng Ji, Yiping Ren and Ying Xue

Fishes 2025, 10(5), 231; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050231 - 15 May 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1861

Abstract

The trophic spectrum provides a useful method to investigate the trophic structure of fish communities. However, ontogenetic shifts in diet can cause variations in the trophic level with body size, thereby influencing the trophic structure of fish communities. In this study, we investigated the effect of ontogenetic dietary shifts on the trophic structure of fish communities in Haizhou Bay based on trophic spectra and trophic indicators calculated under different scenarios of functional group classification. The results showed that the size threshold of ontogenetic dietary shifts was a viable basis for functional group classification. The biomass of fishes at trophic levels 3.4–3.8 was lower when ontogenetic dietary shifts were considered, which can influence the intensity of top–down control and hinder the formulation of harvest strategies. Ontogenetic dietary shifts can also redistribute the biomass of fishes across trophic levels, thereby regulating the trophic structure of fish communities. Different responses of trophic indicators to ontogenetic dietary shifts were identified, with high trophic indicator (HTI) being the most appropriate indicator reflecting the effect of ontogenetic dietary shifts in the trophic structure. This study provides a feasible way to optimize the trophic spectrum for elucidating the trophic structure of fish communities. And we recommend that ontogenetic dietary shifts should be considered and valued in fishery management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trophic Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish Species)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1449 KB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Composition of Big Head Croaker, Collichthys lucidus, in the Early Stage of the “10-Year Fishing Ban” Policy

by Zihan Ma, Jianhua Li, Guanyu Hu, Leqing Liu, Jianhui Wu and Dongyan Han

Fishes 2025, 10(5), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050193 - 23 Apr 2025

Viewed by 1270

Abstract

Big head croaker (Collichthys lucidus) is a dominant fish species in the Yangtze River estuary, with significant economic and ecological value in the local ecosystem. In this study, the dietary composition of big head croaker in the Yangtze River estuary from 2022 to 2023 was determined using stomach content analysis. Statistical methods such as cluster analysis and canonical correspondence analysis were also applied to study the ontogenetic variation in the feeding habits of big head croaker and their relationships with environmental factors. The results indicated that big head croaker in the Yangtze River estuary fed primarily on 15 prey groups and 33 prey species. Copepods were the dominant prey group, followed by mysids, shrimp, and fish. The dominant prey species included Acanthomysis longirostris, Neomysis awatschensis, and Calanus sinicus. Compared with historical studies, the proportion of large prey such as fish and crustaceans in the diet of big head croaker has increased since the implementation of the “10-Year Fishing Ban” on the Yangtze River, which reflects the improved aquatic habitat for organisms in the Yangtze River estuary to some extent. The feeding habits of big head croaker exhibited clear ontogenetic and seasonal variations. The empty stomach rate gradually decreased as the body size of big head croaker increased and their main prey shifted from small individuals such as Acetes chinensis and A. longirostris to larger individual fishes and Brachyura. In addition, big head croaker primarily fed on N. awatschensis in spring, A. longirostris in summer and autumn, and Acrocalanus gibber in winter. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that salinity and length were the factors most strongly correlated with the feeding habits of big head croaker, followed by latitude and longitude. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trophic Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish Species)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 4850 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Ecological Floating Bed Remediation Alters Internal Trophic Structure: A Case Study of Meiliang Bay, Lake Taihu

by Bingyin Cao, Long Ren, Yuan Wang, Xuwen Bing, Zhen Kuang and Dongpo Xu

Fishes 2025, 10(2), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10020044 - 26 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1864

Abstract

Ecological floating beds are effective in mitigating lake eutrophication. To examine the effects of their in situ remediation processes on the food sources and trophic structures of consumers, particularly fish, this study used stable isotope techniques to compare cage enclosures, net enclosures, and natural lake area in Meiliang Bay, Lake Taihu. The results revealed that among basic carbon sources, only the δ¹³C values of phytoplankton and POM differed significantly, while most consumers showed no significant differences in carbon and nitrogen stable isotope characteristics across the three remediation areas. In cage enclosures, the food chain transitioned from being grazing-based, dominated by phytoplankton, to detritus-based, primarily relying on SOM. In contrast, net enclosures enhanced the utilization of phytoplankton. The trophic levels of most consumers in cage enclosures were significantly lower than those in net enclosures and the natural lake area. Trophic niche indices indicated that cage enclosures exhibited the highest trophic diversity and the lowest trophic redundancy. The in situ remediation using ecological floating beds altered the food resource conditions within the remediation areas due to differences in the degree of enclosure provided by the floating beds and interception facilities. These changes have consequently reshaped the internal trophic structure through trophic cascade effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trophic Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish Species)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

20 pages, 9275 KB

Open AccessArticle

Community Dynamics of Fish Larvae in Coastal Zhejiang: Seasonal Variations in Spatiotemporal Distribution and Environmental Driving Factors

by Peng Zhao, Rijin Jiang, Qiqun Li, Rui Yin, Yuelian He, Qingxi Han and Guangjie Fang

Fishes 2025, 10(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10010024 - 8 Jan 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2713

Abstract

The coastal waters of Zhejiang feature a complex aquatic environment and abundant biological resources, creating an ideal habitat for various fish species. However, the systematic monitoring of fish larvae in these offshore waters is limited. This study collected 24,232 fish larvae using large plankton nets during April and November 2022, as well as February and July 2023, and identified 93 species, primarily warm-temperate and warm-water species, with a peak occurrence in summer. The dominant species include Larimichthys croceus, Sebastiscus marmoratus, Lateolabrax japonicus, and Odontamblyopus lacepedii, among others, and these species exhibit frequent seasonal changes. Fish larvae are typically found to be aggregated along estuaries and bays in spring, autumn, and summer, while in winter, they tend to shift towards areas near the boundaries of motor trawler fisheries areas. Our cluster analysis revealed spatial heterogeneity in the community structure, driven by an abundance of dominant and important species. Our Mantel tests and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) identified seawater temperature and salinity as core drivers of the aggregation and distribution of fish larvae, interacting with factors such as the chlorophyll-a concentration, water turbidity, water depth, and dissolved oxygen. This research provides a scientific basis for the dynamic monitoring of spawning grounds and effective management of fishery resources in Zhejiang’s coastal waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Trophic Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish Species)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Trophic Ecology of Freshwater and Marine Fish Species

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI