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items. The SIAR mixing model indicated that transient fishes from both mangroves and seagrass beds derived most of their food from seagrass
beds and their associated epiphytic community. Only a few species including planktivores (Harengula clupeola, Anchoa lyolepis) and
carnivores (Centropomus undecimalis and small specimens of Ocyurus chrysurus) presented depleted carbon values, showing reliance on
mangrove prey in their diets. Mangrove-derived organic matter contributed marginally to the diet of transient fishes, which relied more on
seagrass food sources. Thus, mangroves seem to function more as refuge than feeding habitats for juvenile transient fishes.
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