The trophic role of the squid Loligo plei as a keystone species in the South Brazil Bight ecosystem

The issue of whether loliginid squid can influence the average structure of marine ecosystems in a keystone role, i.e. a strong effect with relatively low biomass, has not yet been examined. Here, the diet of Loligo plei in inner shelf waters of the South Brazil Bight was examined, as a first step, based on the stomach contents of 2200 squid hand-jigged in shallow water (,30 m) and taken as bycatch of shrimp trawlers in deeper water (30–100 m). Diet varied by size, season, and fishing zone. Stomachs were not empty in 12%, with more empty during winter. The range of mantle lengths of squid caught by jigging (101–356 mm) appeared to differ from the squid trawled (30–236 mm), and the diet also differed. Food categories recorded in deeper water did not include amphipods or polychaetes, but in both fishing areas, fish were the most common prey. The fish prey identified included Trachurus lathami, small pelagic species, trichiurids, and Merluccius hubbsi. Demersal species, such as Ctenosciaena gracilicirrhus, and flatfish were also present. An ecosystem network model is updated through which a mixed-trophic impact matrix and “keystone-ness ” indicators were calculated. Loligo plei represents an important link between pelagic and demersal energy pathways, with high indices of keystoneness