Interactions between Manta birostris and Sotalia guianensis in a World Heritage listed Brazilian estuary

J Fish Biol. 2017 Oct;91(4):1236-1240. doi: 10.1111/jfb.13399. Epub 2017 Aug 13.

Abstract

During 1442 h of visual observations over 7 years throughout the World Heritage listed Paranaguá estuarine complex, Brazil, seven occurrences of interactions were observed at a single location involving breaching Manta birostris displacing schools of teleosts, which were subsequently preyed upon by Sotalia guianensis. Although the interactions were not definitively categorized as being amensal, commensal or mutual, their restriction to isolated space (adjacent to a protected area) and time (summer) supports previous assertions the area is important to regional productivity and the continuation of protected-area status.

Keywords: Paraná; batoids; cetaceans; elasmobranchs; foraging behaviour.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal*
  • Brazil
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Dolphins / physiology*
  • Estuaries
  • Population Dynamics
  • Predatory Behavior
  • Seasons
  • Skates, Fish / physiology*