Stable isotopes provide evidence of a trophic shift in the lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula from the Central Tyrrhenian Sea

Stable isotopes (?13C and ?15N) were analysed in vertebrae of Scyliorhinus canicula (n=40; 13 males, 27 females) from the central Tyrrhenian Sea to explore a potential trophic shift relation sex maturity condition. Isotopic values obtained centre periphery vertebra each individual test for effect The ?13C ?15N showed significant differences between immature mature state individuals (U’=1392, P<0.0001 ?13C; U’=1385, ?15N). Differences demonstrated during maturation progress S. canicula. peripheral vertebral part, corresponding individual, higher (mean 5.41‰ SD±1.29‰), compared with lower 2.78‰ SD±1.52‰) observed part related state. In contrast, isotopic signature was centra, thus areas less enriched C13 -22.56‰ SD±1.26‰) comparison -20.03‰ SD±1.34‰) linked more productive environments. No or sexes.