Diet and Movement of Largemouth Bass and Butterfly Peacocks in La Plata Reservoir, Puerto Rico

Diet and telemetry studies were conducted in La Plata Reservoir, Puerto Rico, to investigate potential interactions between largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and butterfly peacocks {Cichla ocellaris). Partitioning of food resources between the 2 species was evident and consistent over several size classes. Interspecific differences were observed in home range size, diel movement, and habitat preference during telemetry studies conducted on adults for up to 250 days. Maximum activity for both species corresponded with periods of elevated food consumption. Although the current studies were restricted to 1 reservoir, low overlap in diet and habitat preference indicates ecological compatibility in tropical reservoir systems.