Zooplanktivory by blue runner Caranx crysos: a potential energetic subsidy to Gulf of Mexico fish populations at petroleum platforms

Abstract

The feeding habits of blue runner Caranx crysos (Carangidae) were documented at offshore petroleum platforms in the northern Gulf of Mexico…Meso- and macrozooplankton comprised a large proportion of adult blue runner diets at both platforms. Decapod crustaceans, chaetognaths, amphipods, and other invertebrates was well as small fishes made up the majority of prey items…We hypothesize that platforms act as large plankton accumulators through hydrodynamic and illumination effects, which provide blue runner with enhanced prey densities and extended foraging periods during darkness.