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Feeding ecology and microplastic ingestion in Chelon richardsonii (Mugilidae) associated with surf diatom Anaulus australis accumulations in a warm temperate South African surf zone
Summary
This study examined feeding habits and microplastic ingestion in a commercially important mullet species in a South African surf zone, finding microplastics in a significant proportion of fish guts. Given this species' commercial importance and role in linking benthic and pelagic food webs, microplastic ingestion in these fish has implications for both ecosystem health and seafood safety.
The study aimed to explore ontogenetic dietary changes and microplastic ingestion in Chelon richardsonii associated with diatom Anaulus australis accumulations in a warm temperate South African surf zone. This species is commercially important and forms an important trophic link in southern African coastal waters. Postflexion larvae, juveniles and adults are dominant in surf zones and were used for comparison. Index of Relative Importance (%IRI) results showed an ontogenetic dietary shift, with postflexion larvae ingesting mostly copepods (%IRI = 52.0) and microplastic fibres (%IRI = 30.7); while older developmental stages fed predominantly on diatoms (%IRI ranging from 53.9 to 65.6) and sand (%IRI ranging from 34.2 to 46.0). Microplastic fibres were found in 40% of fish sampled, microplastic fragments in 5%, and both types were recorded across all developmental stages assessed. This study provides the first record of microplastics in C. richardsonii, adding to growing microplastic research in fishes.