The Sympatric Coexistence Mechanism: A Case Study of Two Penahia Species in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea

Simple Summary In this study, the feeding habits, trophic niches, and spatial niches of Pennahia pawak and Pennahia anea were investigated with the aim of exploring the coexistence and competition mechanism of these two species in the Beibu Gulf. The results indicate that both P. pawak and P. anea exhibit feeding shifts and differentiation in their trophic and spatial niches.Abstract The study of trophic relationships among closely related species plays an important role in deepening our understanding of the resource utilization characteristics, differentiation patterns, and population dynamics of co-occurring species in the same habitat. This research uses two congeneric fish species, Pennahia pawak and Pennahia anea, as examples. Based on a stomach content analysis and a carbon-nitrogen stable isotope analysis, a comparative analysis of their feeding habits and trophic niches is conducted. Additionally, a spatial niche analysis is employed to explore the coexistence and competitive mechanisms between these two closely related fish species. The results show that specialized feeding habits mitigate intraspecific competition as the population densities increase. The carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis reveals variations in the feeding habits and trophic levels with body length, indicating adaptive shifts in prey selection. Despite similar food resources, niche differentiation arises due to differences in dominant prey, facilitating coexistence. Differences in spatial niche further contribute to niche separation and coexistence. In resource-limited environments, species such as Pennahia utilize trophic and spatial niche differentiation to collectively exploit resources and achieve coexistence, with implications for fishery management favoring Pennahia resource occupancy capabilities.