Conclusions
We expected that if a trait such as boldness resulted in difference in
diet it would be that bolder, more active individuals had higher
δ15N values (reflecting higher trophic levels), lower
δ13C values (reflecting more foraging in open waters)
and that their niche would change less over time. Previous research
showed mixed support of a relationship of laboratory measures of
behavior and stable isotope values. Therefore, we did not expect a
strong effect. Conversely, the current results showed a clear link
between a single behavioral trait, latency to explore, and long-term
ecological niche although it was not possible to determine if the
relationship is because of innate differences in behavior resulting in
different resource use, by ecological niche affecting condition that in
turn caused differences in behavior or by interaction of behavior,
growth rate and stable isotope values. We suggest that further studies
could be designed to determine if there is a causal link between
behavior and ecological niche but also highlight the need to consider
that the relationships of behavior and stable isotope niche is likely to
be very context and trait dependent.