Global trophic position comparison of two dominant mesopelagic fish families (Myctophidae, Stomiidae) using amino acid nitrogen isotopic analyses.

The δ(15)N values of organisms are commonly used across diverse ecosystems to estimate trophic position and infer trophic connectivity. We undertook a novel cross-basin comparison of trophic position in two ecologically well-characterized and different groups of dominant mid-water fish consumers using amino acid nitrogen isotope compositions. We found that trophic positions estimated from the δ(15)N values of individual amino acids are nearly uniform within both families of these fishes across five global regions despite great variability in bulk tissue δ(15)N values. Regional differences in the δ(15)N values of phenylalanine confirmed that bulk tissue δ(15)N values reflect region-specific water mass biogeochemistry controlling δ(15)N values at the base of the food web. Trophic positions calculated from amino acid isotopic analyses (AA-TP) for lanternfishes (family Myctophidae) (AA-TP ∼2.9) largely align with expectations from stomach content studies (TP ∼3.2), while AA-TPs for dragonfishes (family Stomiidae) (AA-TP ∼3.2) were lower than TPs derived from stomach content studies (TP∼4.1). We demonstrate that amino acid nitrogen isotope analysis can overcome shortcomings of bulk tissue isotope analysis across biogeochemically distinct systems to provide globally comparative information regarding marine food web structure.

Introduction

Deep oceanic waters (offshore depths >∼200 m) constitute the largest habitat on the planet. Industrialized fishing has substantially reduced the biomass of large predatory fishes (e.g., tunas, billfishes, sharks) within these deep ocean ecosystems [1]. There is growing evidence that overharvesting of these top trophic level animals may ultimately affect the stability and resilience of marine food webs through changes in system structure and function (e.g., [2], [3]). Improved understanding of trophic structure and food web interactions at a time of changing climate dynamics is critical for anticipating future changes in exploited marine populations. Particularly important is the need for comparative evaluation of potential fishery impacts on a global scale across biogeochemically and ecologically diverse systems.

Large-scale marine trophodynamics have traditionally been derived from stomach content (SC) analyses and more recently using stable isotope and fatty acid analyses. However, synthesizing multiple SC and/or biochemical datasets to compare ecosystem function between different oceanic regions can be difficult and is infrequently done. For the first time, we utilize a promising and emergent tool, compound-specific nitrogen isotope analysis of individual amino acids (CSIA), to compare the trophic positions (TPs) of widespread pelagic micronekton fishes from five biogeochemically distinct global ecosystems: Tasman Sea, California (CA) Current, Gulf of Mexico (GOM), northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR), and the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) near Hawaii.

In pelagic ecosystems, micronekton (small fishes, squids, and crustaceans ∼2–20 cm in size) are a critical trophic link between primary producers and higher trophic level consumers (e.g., tunas, seabirds, marine mammals). Dragonfishes (family Stomiidae) are considered the most diverse and numerically important higher-trophic level predatory meso- and bathypelagic fish group, while lanternfishes (family Myctophidae) are commonly the dominant micronekton organisms in terms of biomass and abundance in mesopelagic ecosystems (e.g., [4], [5]), and are thought to be the primary prey of most dragonfishes (e.g., [6], [7]). Widespread distributions and high biomass levels coupled with extensive diel vertical migrations suggest that these fishes are important mediators in the transfer of organic carbon between trophic levels and through a large part of the water column [8], often including benthic communities at continental margins [9].

Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotope (SI) techniques have been extensively used in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, complimenting SC analyses by delineating TPs and tracing energy/nutrient flows [10], [11]. The basic premise underlying these studies is that preferential incorporation of 15N and 13C in consumer tissues results in predictable ∼2.0–3.4‰ increases in δ15N values and ∼0.5–0.8‰ increases in δ13C values relative to their prey at each subsequent trophic level [12], [13]. Inferring trophic connectivity from SI data requires sampling across multiple TPs, often a considerable logistic challenge in deep ocean systems. Ecological interpretation of SI data is often complicated by the inability to constrain temporal and spatial variability in the isotopic compositions of primary producers at the food web base [14]. In marine ecosystems like the NPSG for example, primary producers can seasonally switch between N2-fixation and upwelled nitrate-based production [15]. The δ15N values for atmospheric N2 (δ15N = 0‰) and inorganic deep-water nitrate (δ15N = ∼5–7‰) sources are distinct (e.g., [16]), and these differences are reflected in a consumer’s N isotopic composition [17].

Compound-specific isotope analysis of individual amino acids (AAs) is a developing technique that overcomes many of the limitations of bulk SI analysis. Instead of attempting to concurrently sample organisms representing multiple TPs in a food web, the CSIA approach uses the δ15N values of AAs of a consumer to constrain food web baseline isotopic variability and estimate TPs [18]. Laboratory experiments by McClelland and Montoya [19] demonstrated that certain “source” AAs (after [20]) (e.g., phenylalanine, glycine) fractionate very little with trophic processing and are indicative of the isotopic composition of the food web base. Other “trophic” AAs (e.g., glutamic acid, alanine) involved in transamination and deamination reactions undergo significant enrichment in 15N (∼7‰ per trophic level) and are thus indicative of the fractional TP of the consumer [21]. Using this approach, consumer TP can be estimated using a reasonably well-established relationship between trophic and source AAs [18], providing valuable information that can be utilized by ecosystem modelers and managers alike.

Many previous studies have successfully combined bulk SI and CSIA datasets across diverse phyla to demonstrate the advantages of the CSIA approach over traditional SI analysis (e.g., [20] in tuna, [17] in marine copepods, [22] in elasmobranchs). However, no previous studies have applied this approach across global marine ecosystems, and few have provided comparative information from multiple TPs. In this study, we conducted the first cross-system trophic comparison of two dominant marine fish consumer groups with well-characterized and distinct TPs across five unique biogeochemical regions. Although the TPs of the two fish groups appear consistent between regions based on available SC analyses, considerable regional variability in bulk tissue δ15N (δ15Nbulk) values exists. Our CSIA data demonstrate that regional biogeochemistry directly influences fish δ15Nbulk values and suggest that across five global oceanic regions lanternfishes and dragonfishes may not be separated by a whole trophic level, which has implications for the exploited status of large marine ecosystems.

Materials and Methods

Sample Collection and Preparation

Fish specimens were independently collected during 2007–2011 by five research groups (one group per region) using a variety of midwater trawling equipment in five distinct regions (Figure 1; Table 1). For each region, fish species known to represent two distinct TPs (one species each of lanternfish and dragonfish) were carefully selected using existing SC data, were identified to the species level and measured (standard (SL) or total (TL) length), and frozen at sea until analysis (sample sizes in Table 1). Due to limited sample availability two dragonfish species were analyzed for the NPSG region, one of which was also sampled in the Tasman Sea and the GOM (Table 1). All species selected had region-specific SC data supporting the interpretation that the lanternfishes were zooplanktivorous (TP ∼3) and the dragonfishes were piscivorous (TP ∼4) (Table S1). In the laboratory, scales and skin were removed and white muscle tissue dissected from each specimen. Samples were oven-dried at ∼60°C for ∼48 hrs, ground and homogenized with a mortar and pestle, and shipped to the University of Hawaii (UH) for analysis. Tissue homogenates were split; splits were weighed and packaged into either tin capsules for bulk tissue SI analysis or combusted glass reaction vials for CSIA. This study was carried out in accordance with the animal use protocols of the University of Hawaii (protocol #10-984) and was approved by the UH Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee.

Figure 1

Map of sample collection locations.

Approximate capture locations for species of lanternfish (closed symbols) and dragonfish (open symbols) specimens analyzed in this study, from five distinct and globally distributed regions (Tasman Sea (TAS), California Current (CA), Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Hawaii (HI), and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR)).

Table 1

Collection and size information of lanternfish (L) and dragonfish (D) specimens included in this study.

Region [Collection Year(s)]	Oceanographic Characterization	Species	Size Range Analyzed (mm)	Bulk δ15N (‰)	Bulk δ13C (‰)
Hawaii (NPSG) [2010–2011]	oligotrophic, subtropical	Bolinichthys longipes (L)	25–46 SL, n = 4 (a, b)	5.8±0.5	−18.6±0.7
		Idiacanthus fasciola (D)	72–275 TL, n = 4 (a, b)	6.9±1.7	−17.5±1.2
		Chauliodus sloani (D)	137 SL, n = 1 (a, b)	7.2	−17.6
Tasman Sea Abyssal Basin [2008]	subtropical convergence, temperate	Lampanyctus australis (L)	86–107 SL, n = 6 (a);86–103 SL, n = 3 (b)	11.3±1.0	−18.0±0.6
		C. sloani (D)	190–280 SL, n = 5 (a);255–280 SL, n = 2 (b)	11.0±0.9	−18.7±0.3
Gulf of Mexico [2007]	oligotrophic, subtropical	Benthosema suborbitale (L)	19–27 SL, n = 4 (a, b)	6.9±0.7	−18.9±0.6
		C. sloani (D)	27–105 TL, n = 5 (a);27–105 TL, n = 3 (b)	8.0±0.6	−19.0±1.0
Northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge [2009]	high productivity, temperate-subtropical	Benthosema glaciale (L)	33–71 TL, n = 12 (a);33–71, n = 5 (b)	9.9±1.2	−18.8±0.5
		Stomias boa (D)	126–168 TL, n = 9 (a);142–168 TL, n = 3 (b)	10.4±0.7	−18.2±0.4
California Current [2009–2010]	high productivity, upwelling, temperate	Stenobrachius leucopsaurus (L)	41–100 SL, n = 11 (a);58–100 SL, n = 4 (b)	13.5±0.9	−19.6±1.5
		Idiacanthus antrostomus (D)	153–490 SL, n = 5 (a);158–318 SL, n = 2 (b)	16.0±0.8	−18.1±0.4

Fish size ranges are reported as standard length (SL) or total length (TL) measurements; sample sizes are also provided for specimens included in bulk tissue isotopic analyses (a) and AA nitrogen isotope analyses (b). Bulk tissue δ15N and δ13C values are summarized as mean ± S.D.

Bulk Tissue Stable Isotope Analysis

Bulk SI analyses were performed at UH using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (DeltaPlusXP) coupled to an elemental analyzer (ConFlo IV/Costech ECS 4010). Isotopic values are reported in conventional δ-notation relative to the international standards atmospheric N2 and V-PDB, for N and C respectively. Accuracy and precision were <0.2‰ and were calculated using in-house reference materials analyzed every 10 samples (glycine and a tuna tissue homogenate, extensively characterized using NIST certified reference materials and verified independently in other isotope laboratories). Bulk tissue C isotope (δ13Cbulk) values were corrected for lipid contribution using isotope mass balance based on deep-sea fish [23]. Tissue mass was limiting for some samples from two regions so previously measured δ15Nbulk and δ13Cbulk values for all samples from these regions were used (CA Current, n = 6, lanternfishes; GOM, n = 10, both fish groups). SI analyses for the CA Current followed Nam et al. [24] and analyses for the GOM followed McClain-Counts [25]. Of these 16 samples, enough tissue was available from nine samples to determine good agreement between analyses conducted at UH and those at other laboratories (Figure S1).

TPs from Bulk Stable N Isotope Data

TP is commonly estimated using δ15Nbulk values (TPbulk) of consumers and their prey (e.g., [26]). We estimated TPbulk using the following equations and regional data from the literature (see Table S3):

An average trophic enrichment factor (TEF) of 3‰ was used, a value within the range of reported variation amongst diverse organisms [13].

Stable N Isotope Analysis of Individual AAs

A subset of fishes (33 of 66) was selected for CSIA based on broad ranges in size and δ15Nbulk values. Preparation for CSIA followed methods of Hannides et al. [17]. Dried samples were subjected to acid hydrolysis, esterification of the carboxyl terminus, and trifluroacetylation of the amine group [27]. Samples were redissolved in 50–100 µl of ethyl acetate, and the δ15N values of AAs were measured using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (either a DeltaPlusXP or Delta V Plus) interfaced with a gas chromatograph (Trace GC) through a GC-C III combustion furnace (980°C), reduction furnace (650°C) and liquid-N cold trap. Samples (1–2 µL) were injected (split/splitless injector, using a 10∶1 split ratio) onto a capillary column (BP×5 forte, 30 m×0.32 mm×1.0 µm film thickness) at an injector temperature of 180°C with a constant helium flow rate of 1.2 mL min−1. The column oven was held at 50°C for 2 min and then ramped to 190°C at a rate of 8°C min−1. At 190°C, temperature was increased to 300°C (at a rate of 10°C min−1) and held for 7.5 min. Samples were analyzed in triplicate, and the measured N isotopic compositions were normalized to known δ15N values of two co-injected internal reference compounds (norleucine and aminoadipic acid, δ15N reference values of 19.06‰ and −6.6‰ respectively). Reproducibility of isotopic analysis of glutamic acid and phenylalanine averaged ±0.5‰ (1 S.D.) and ranged from ±0.1‰ to ±2.4‰. Accuracy of the isotopic analysis was estimated using the known δ15N norleucine value to determine a measured δ15N value of aminoadipic acid, treating it as an unknown. Accuracy averaged ±1.3‰ (1 S.D.) and ranged from ±0.0‰ to ±3.5‰.

TPs from CSIA Data

Chikaraishi et al. [18] measured the δ15N values of AAs in a variety of photoautotrophs and consumers and found that the relationship between glutamic acid (glu) and phenylalanine (phe) accurately described fractional TPs for a diversity of organisms:

In equation (3), 3.4 is the difference between the δ15N values of glu and phe in marine primary producers (defined as β [18]), and 7.6 is the 15N TEF between glu and phe for each trophic level. Uncertainty resulting from AA-TP was calculated using propagation of errors by combining the uncertainty in β (±0.9‰) and TEF (±1.1‰) as determined by Chikaraishi et al. [18] and the measured analytical reproducibility of glu and phe δ15N values in each sample. Uncertainty in TP ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 (mean 0.3).

Results

Bulk Tissue Isotopic Analyses

δ15Nbulk values for both lanternfishes and dragonfishes differed significantly by region (ANOVA: p<0.001, F(4,33) = 76.07 for lanternfishes; p<0.001, F(4,24) = 74.41 for dragonfishes), and are reported in Table 1. δ13Cbulk values also differed significantly by region for lanternfishes (ANOVA: p<0.05, F(4,33) = 2.98) and dragonfishes (ANOVA: p<0.05, F(4,24) = 3.90). Temporal collection parameters were variable but relationships between individual fish δ15Nbulk and δ13Cbulk values and collection year were not significant and weak for δ15Nbulk (p>0.05, r = 0.05), and δ13Cbulk values (p>>0.05, r = 0.02). Individuals analyzed spanned a wide size range across the five regions (Table 1). Linear regressions of δ15Nbulk values on fish size per region and species groups were significant with negative slopes (p<0.05) for CA Current lanternfishes, and significant with positive slopes for MAR lanternfishes (p<0.05), but not significant for any other group and region pair (Figure S2). Comparison of δ15Nbulk and δ13Cbulk values indicated no significant differences between the two fish groups within a region (δ15Nbulk: two-tailed paired t-test: t = 2.78, p>0.05; δ13Cbulk: two-tailed paired t-test: t = 2.78, p>0.05). Estimates of TPbulk were variable across the five regions for both lanternfishes and dragonfishes (ranges for individual specimens were TPs 1.8–4.5 and TPs 1.5–4.8, respectively) and did not align with TPs estimated from SC studies (Table S1, Table 2, Table S3).

Table 2

Regional comparison of lanternfish and dragonfish trophic positions estimated by amino acid and bulk tissue isotopic data.

Region	Mean LanternfishTPbulk *	Mean DragonfishTPbulk*	TPbulkDifference	Mean LanternfishAA-TP#	Mean DragonfishAA-TP#	AA-TPDifference
North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (Hawaii)	2.0±0.1	2.3±0.5	0.3 TP	2.6±0.2	3.2±0.1	0.6 TP
Tasman Sea	2.7±0.3	2.6±0.3	0.1 TP	2.8±0.0	3.0±0.1	0.2 TP
Gulf of Mexico	2.0±0.2	2.4±0.2	0.4 TP	2.9±0.2	3.0±0.3	0.1 TP
Mid-Atlantic Ridge	4.1±0.4	4.3±0.2	0.2 TP	3.2±0.4	3.4±0.2	0.2 TP
California Current	3.4±0.3	4.2±0.3	1.2 TP	2.8±0.1	3.3±0.1	0.5 TP

Calculated using Eq. 3.

(3)*Calculated using Eq. 1 and Eq. 2 as described in “Methods.” Region-specific δ15NPOM and δ15Nzooplankton values from the literature are presented in Table S3.

(1) (2)

Summarized values include mean trophic positions (TPs) calculated from bulk tissue δ15N values (TPbulk) using a trophic enrichment factor (TEF) of 3‰ (mean ± S.D.), and TPs calculated from AA-CSIA data (AA-TP) (mean ± S.D.). Differences in the calculated means between dragonfishes and lanternfishes are shown. Dragonfish values for Hawaii include specimens of both Chauliodus sloani and Idiacanthus fasciola.

Stable N Isotope Analysis of Amino Acids & TP Estimates

Similar to regional differences in δ15Nbulk values, variability in the δ15N values of the source AA phenylalanine (δ15Nphe) was apparent (mean 0.0‰, range −4.9 to 6.6‰). Importantly, δ15Nphe values for both fish groups differed significantly by region (ANOVA, p<0.05). Conversely, the δ15Nphe values of lanternfishes and dragonfishes within a region were not significantly different (two-tailed paired t-test: t = 1.03, p>0.05). The significant correlation between δ15Nphe and δ15Nbulk values (Figure 2) suggested that δ15Nbulk values predominantly reflect the δ15N values of primary producers in each region (i.e., the regional isotopic baseline).

Figure 2

Influence of regional biogeochemistry on consumer isotopic composition.

Relationship between δ15N values of phenylalanine (δ15Nphe) (‰) and bulk white muscle tissue (δ15Nbulk) (‰) in 33 specimens of mesopelagic lanternfishes (empty symbols) and dragonfishes (filled symbols) from offshore waters of the Tasman Sea (TAS), California Current (CA), Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Hawaii (HI), and the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Error bars are standard deviations. δ15Nphe and δ15Nbulk values in fishes across all regions are significantly positively correlated (p<0.05, r2 = 0.58; y = 0.75× –7.14).

Variability in the δ15N values of the trophic AA glutamic acid (δ15Nglu) mirrored regional patterns in δ15Nphe values (mean 18.6‰, range 12.1–24.1‰); the highest δ15Nglu values were observed in both fish groups from the productive regions of the CA Current, the Tasman Sea and the MAR (Table S2). Conversely, the lowest δ15Nglu values were observed in the fishes from the tropical oligotrophic waters of the GOM and the NPSG. Similar to regional differences in δ15Nphe values, differences in δ15Nglu values across regions were also significant (ANOVA, p<0.05).

TPs calculated from CSIA data (AA-TPs) for lanternfishes and dragonfishes using eq. 1 were very consistent across the five regions despite great variability in δ15Nbulk and δ15Nphe values, as well as fish size (Figure 3). In all five regions the AA-TPs of dragonfishes were much lower than the expected TP of 4.1 based on SC studies. There was no statistical difference in mean dragonfish AA-TPs among regions (ANOVA, F = 1.62, p>0.05), indicating similar TPs across all ecosystems studied. Mean lanternfish AA-TPs were significantly different across the five regions (ANOVA, F = 4.16, p<0.05). However, this difference was primarily driven by MAR lanternfishes (mean AA-TP: 3.2), which had elevated AA-TPs relative to fishes from the other regions (mean AA-TPs range: 2.6 to 2.9). Mean lanternfish AA-TPs were significantly lower than mean dragonfish AA-TPs within a region (two-tailed paired t-test, t = 2.78, p<0.05).

Figure 3

Uniform amino acid based trophic positions for lanternfishes and dragonfishes.

Relationship between fish length (mm) and amino acid CSIA estimated trophic positions of a) individual lanternfishes, and b) individual dragonfishes from five regions. Also shown is the relationship between individual fish bulk tissue δ15N values (‰) and amino acid CSIA estimated trophic positions of c) lanternfishes and d) dragonfishes from five regions. Error bars indicate propagated error from trophic position calculation (see methods).

Discussion

Despite regional oceanographic influences on bulk SI and CSIA data, strongly uniform AA-TPs were observed across the five global regions for both fish groups. Significant differences in AA-TPs between the two fish groups were consistent with previous SC analyses, though different in magnitude. The biogeochemical diversity present in the five regions was reflected in both δ15Nbulk and δ15Nphe values (δ15Nphe = −4.9 to 6.6‰, Table S2), and is consistent with baseline N values produced by known biogeochemical processes (microbially-mediated N-recycling dynamics in the oligotrophic gyres to nitrate-based upwelling in the CA Current, for example). The strong correlation between δ15Nbulk and δ15Nphe consumer values indicates that regional biogeochemical differences influenced δ15Nbulk values in higher consumers (Figure 2).

The lack of comprehensive regional information characterizing isotopic baselines (i.e., encompassing uniform seasons and years) inhibits a more detailed and accurate calculation of TP from δ15Nbulk values across regions. TPs calculated from δ15Nbulk values were more variable across regions than TPs estimated from either SC studies or CSIA (Table S1, Table 2, Table S3). Absolute AA-TPs for lanternfishes were all within the range of those estimated by SC studies, while absolute AA-TPs for dragonfishes were lower than ranges derived from SC studies. AA-TPs also provided new information suggesting that these two fish groups plausibly have more similar TPs across the global oceans than previously documented by SC data. These results highlight the potential advantages of CSIA-based TPs for food web analysis in remote or highly heterogeneous ecosystems where baseline δ15Nbulk values are deficient or difficult to obtain.

One explanation for the apparent disagreement between dragonfish SC (∼TP 4.1) and AA-TP (∼TP 3.2) estimates is that the TEF used to establish TP is different for the two fish groups. Stark energetic differences could result in different protein turnover rates and potentially different TEFs. Growth and metabolism data for these fish groups are limited, but two studies found that some species of dragonfish have exceptionally low metabolic rates in the deep ocean, about tenfold lower than the more active, diel-vertically migrating lanternfishes [28], [29]. Preferential retention of 15N is dependent upon protein-containing meals, wherein animals assimilate a fraction of the protein (somatic growth) and catabolize and excrete the remainder (metabolism). Tissue turnover information for the two fish groups are not available, however sporadic feeding coupled with low locomotory abilities and low metabolic rates could result in slower protein turnover in dragonfishes relative to lanternfishes.

A second explanation that may reconcile the differences between SC- and AA-derived TP estimates is that available SC data failed to integrate the mean fish diets examined. Ecologists have long recognized that SC analyses represent only a “snap-shot” of what an animal has recently eaten [30]. Seasonality and ontogeny, as well as variation in prey abundances, can affect the prey documented in fish stomachs [31]. Calculations of TP from SC data require knowledge of the TPs of animals forming a consumer’s prey base, many of which may be poorly known or also estimated from SC data. Additionally, depending on the digestibility of a prey item, organisms with resistant hard parts may be over-represented in SC analysis, while easily digested soft-bodied prey items can be overlooked. As a result, these biases could alter the TP estimated from SC analysis alone.

Results from this study show that amino acid CSIA can be a useful tool for elucidating and comparing trophic structure, which can potentially be broadly transferred to other ecosystems and organisms. More field and laboratory testing are needed before CSIA can be used to accurately estimate TPs for organisms for which diet and trophic information may be limited or missing entirely. Comparison of SC and isotopic data highlights the need for caution when establishing TPs from SC analysis alone, or vice versa. AA-TPs integrate dietary inputs over a longer time scale than SC analysis and yield a quantitative TP across a variety of species and temporal and spatial scales that can be easily contrasted. However, SC studies accomplish what isotopic analyses cannot – taxonomic identification of prey items – and thus cannot and should not be replaced.

Heated debate and pronouncements about the exploited status of large marine ecosystems are often built upon marine fish species mean or fractional TP assignments [2], [32]. Thus, TP estimates have widespread implications for describing energy flow, as well as within mathematical models that aim to simulate these ecosystems. Small changes in prey TP estimates can result in substantial changes in the estimates of top predator production. Both lanternfishes and dragonfishes are globally important prey items for many commercially important fishes as well as sharks and marine mammals (e.g., [33], [34], [35]). Our novel application of CSIA to a global sample set suggests that SC-derived TP estimates (and by extension, food web analyses) will benefit from combining an integrated CSIA approach that overcomes the challenges of using δ15Nbulk values across distinct regions. While SC analysis is a vitally important tool for food web characterization, it may also lead to errors in TP estimation.

The large differences observed in fish δ15Nbulk values represent anywhere from two to three TPs for two fish groups that are less than one TP apart according to available SC data. In contrast to SC studies and despite δ15Nbulk and δ13Cbulk variability, results of CSIA indicate: a) uniform TPs within both fish groups across all five regions, and b) consistent TPs between both fish groups across all five regions (Figure 3). CSIA results indicate that inconsistencies in δ15Nbulk values result from regionally distinct baseline N isotopic compositions. Although we acknowledge that our results raise specific uncertainties regarding this emerging food web tool and interpretation of traditional (SC) TP estimates that merit further investigation, the uniformity in CSIA-based TPs across global regions demonstrates that this is a promising method to compare food webs among ecologically and biogeochemically diverse ecosystems.

Intra-laboratory comparison of measured bulk tissue δ Comparison of bulk tissue δ15N (a) and δ13C (b) values measured at the University of Hawaii and two outside laboratories (University of North Carolina Wilmington (n = 3) and Ehime University (n = 6)). Neither the slope nor the intercept is different from 1 and 0, respectively at the 95% confidence interval.

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Relationship between fish length and bulk tissue nitrogen isotopic values in fishes. Bulk tissue δ15N values (‰) versus fish standard length (mm) in a) lanternfishes and b) dragonfishes from five regions (TAS = Tasman Sea, CA = California Current, GOM = Gulf of Mexico, HI = Hawaii, MAR = mid-Atlantic Ridge).

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Meta-analysis of region-specific published stomach content studies for lanternfish and dragonfish diet. Meta-analysis of region-specific published food items (at the taxonomic level of Order) for lanternfish (L) and dragonfish (D) species and trophic positions (mean ± S.E.) (as published and defined by the FISHBASE online database (Froese and Pauly 2012)). Additional primary references listed may not be included in FISHBASE and are specific to fishes analyzed from each region. Food item column headers are as follows: %C is percent copepods, %O is percent ostracods, %E is percent euphausiids, %A is percent amphipods, %F is percent fishes, and %Oth is percent other (includes pteropods, gastropods and other molluscs, debris, salps, unidentified decapoda remains, etc.).

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Regional values of source and trophic amino acids in lanternfish and dragonfish. Comparison of isotopic compositions of the source amino acid phenylalanine (δ15Nphe) and the trophic amino acid glutamic acid (δ15Nglu) (mean ± S.D.) in lanternfishes and dragonfishes across all five oceanographic regions. Dragonfish values for Hawaii include specimens of both Chauliodus sloani and Idiacanthus fasciola.

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Best available region-specific bulk stable nitrogen isotope data used to estimate fish trophic positions. Summary of best available bulk stable nitrogen isotopic baseline values used to calculate trophic positions of lanternfishes and dragonfishes (TPbulk). Isotopic data characterizing regional food web bases from the same seasons and years was not available, highlighting the need for a more reliable method for calculating TPs from these isotopic data.

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