Microhabitat segregation and prey selectivity of two sympatric Coreoperca species in Boseong River, Korea

초록

Coreoperca kawamebari and C. herzi, have been known to be allopatric in Korea. We found their sympatric areas in Beseong River, tributary of Seomjin River. To determine mircohabitat segregation and prey selectivity of two sympatric Coreoperca species, their micro-scale distribution, environmental factors and stomach contents were investigated in the overlapping reach of Boseong River from September 2011 to April 2012. C. kawamebari preferred pool areas with emergent plants, which were covered by muddy and sandy substrate while C. herzi preferred relatively faster water velocity within the boulder substrate. There was no significant difference about preference of water depth. Both species mainly ingested aquatic insect(Ephemeroptera and Odonata), but small C. kawamebari fed also on small aquatic insect(Isopoda and Dpitera) while only large C. herzi ingested small fish(Cypriniformes). In conclusion, there were significant differences about microhabitat preferences and prey selection between two sympatric Coreoperca species.