Exploring prey-predator relationships through network analysis in Korean marine ecosystems

Abstract

Understanding the feeding ecology of marine fish communities is crucial for effective ecosystem management, and conservation. This study presents a comprehensive meta-analysis of the feeding ecology of 80 marine fish species in Korean coastal waters. We identified dominant prey items, dietary diversity and species-specific feeding preferences by reviewing existing literature. Our finding reveals a complex and interconnected marine ecosystem with diverse feeding strategies. Arthoropods emerged as the dominant prey taxa, consumed by 77 out of 80 fish species and constituting 70.9% of the total prey composition. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed five distinct trophic groups: piscivores, euphausiid feeders, zooplanktivores, decapod consumers, and amphipod consumers. Network analysis highlighted key predator-prey dependencies and the central role of decapoda (hub score: 0.369) and amphipods (hubscore: 0.322) in the food web. Niche breadth analysis revealed varying degree of dietary specializations among species, with 38 species showing relatively varying degree of dietary breadth (Levins' index ≥0.20) and 42 species exhibiting more specialized diets. Niche overlap analysis within trophic group indicated potential competition for resources, particularly among piscivores predators and Amphipod consumers. This study provides a valuable insight into the trophic dynamics of Korean marine ecosystems, contributing to our understanding of marine food web structures and informing future conservation and management strategies.