Trophic guild structure, feeding overlap and diet-associated anthropogenic particles in the fishes of Manori Creek, Mumbai, India

The study examined the food and feeding habits and the presence of anthropogenic particles of 38 fish species from 25 families in Manori Creek, Mumbai, India, over an eight-month period. Gut contents of 632 individuals, primarily juveniles, were analysed. The diet breadth (Bi) varied from 0.25 to 0.92, indicating generalist tendencies. Six ecological guilds were identified, with Marine Estuarine Opportunists (MMO) being the most significant. Eleven trophic guilds were formed using SIMPROF test and cluster dendrogram, with Acetes feeders (14 species) being the largest guild. Acetes spp. was the most important prey, present in 68.4 % of species. Significant diet overlap occurred within guilds (α ≥ 0.6) but not between different guilds. Anthropogenic particles in fish gut highlighted significant pollution levels. 52.6 % of the studied species belonging to eight trophic guilds were found to have the particles in their gut, ranging from 65.6 % of Coilia dussumieri to 6.52 % of Johnius belangerii. The research will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the food web, trophic dynamics, and their relationship with the ingestion of anthropogenic particles, thereby supporting the management and conservation of this important coastal ecosystem.