The first report of the isotope-derived feeding ecology of copepods in the eastern Arabian Sea

Abstract

Abstract The seasonal variations of δ15N and δ13C of copepods and suspended particulate organic matter is examined to comprehend the feeding habits of copepods of the marine food web over the western continental shelf of India. This study provides baseline information on seasonal variation of the isotopic composition in copepods. Seasonal divergence in δ15N and δ13C values in Paracalanidae, Oncaeidae, Subeucalanus spp., Acartia spp. and Temora spp. conspicuously revealed herbivorous/omnivorous feeding habit. Such omnivorous feeding habit of copepods seems to play important role in trophodynamics of zooplankton and transfer of carbon and nitrogen to other trophic levels over the western continental shelf of India.