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.