Ontogenetic shifts in the diet ofGalaxias maculatus (Galaxiidae) andOdontesthes microlepidotus (Atherinidae)

The feeding habits ofGalaxias maculatus (Galaxiidae) andOdontesthes microlepidotus (Atherinidae) larvae and juveniles were studied in an Araucanian lake of Argentina. Fish specimens were grouped, on the basis of the percentage of each food category found in their gut, using multivariate methods. These groups of fishes showed significant differences in average total length. Positive correlations between prey size and fish length were also detected. Diet overlap between juvenileG. maculatus and juvenileO. microlepidotus was observed. We discuss the interaction between the two species and the role of functional capabilities for prey capture during these early life periods.