Highly segregated trophic niche of two congeneric fish species in Neotropical floodplain lakes

The diets of two sympatric, morphologically similar species of Moenkhausia were studied to investigate whether the manner in which they exploit food resources can help to explain their coexistence. Fish diets were evaluated during the low-water season in six lakes of the upper Parana River floodplain (Brazil). The results indicate that these two species segregate in relation to food resources and that the differential use of resources is probably a strategy that reduces competition during periods of a potential food shortage (the low-water season).